Rodriguez's return restores Red Sox rotation to full strength  —  BOSTON — Two days before the All-Star break began and again the day after it ended, Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski killed the buzz of armchair general managers throughout New England by announcing …

Seattle Mariners complete sweep of Chicago White Sox with 10-inning win  —  CHICAGO — The Seattle Mariners have started the second half of the season on a roll.  Now they'll see where they'll go.  —  Nelson Cruz homered in the 10th inning and the Mariners held off the Chicago White Sox 7-6 …

Mets, Cardinals clash in pivotal four-game set (Jul 17, 2017)  —  NEW YORK — The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals are both trying to convince themselves they are still in the playoff race.  By Thursday night, the task likely will have become much harder for at least one of the teams.

Rumor Central: A's not looking to deal Blake Treinen?  —  The Oakland Athletics are not looking to flip Blake Treinen after acquiring the veteran reliever in Sunday's deal with the Washington Nationals.  —  A's executive vice president Billy Beane told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle …

Rays Discussing Justin Wilson, Tony Watson  —  11:44am: Rosenthal tweets that Tampa Bay is also discussing Pirates lefty Tony Watson.  The 32-year-old Watson is earning a bit more than twice Wilson's salary ($5.6MM) and is a free agent at season's end.  He's also having a down year …

Rumor Central: Plenty of interest in Padres relievers?  —  The San Diego Padres rank 24th in the major leagues with a bullpen ERA of 4.49.  Don't tell that to general manager A.J. Preller, who says there is plenty of trade interest in his relievers.  —  Preller tells AJ Cassavell of MLB.com that …

Return of the King: A Mariners turnaround hinges on Hernandez  —  Could the Seattle Mariners still make us “experts” look good?  It's becoming less possible by the week as we creep closer to the trade deadline, and hopes for a sudden turnaround might depend on the impossible-to-read near future of King Felix Hernandez.

Tigers, Royals open four-game series (Jul 17, 2017)  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A losing streak temporarily doused Kansas City's postseason aspirations and dropped the Royals one game below .500.  —  However, all is sunny for the Royals as they prepare for a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers that begins Monday.

Cincinnati Reds OF Billy Hamilton helps man propose to girlfriend … Baseball's stolen base leader Billy Hamilton helped a couple get engaged this weekend in Cincinnati by presenting the ring at an autograph session.  —  The Cincinnati Reds' centerfielder was taking part in a meet-and-greet Saturday …

Justin Turner homers to help Dodgers beat Marlins for ninth consecutive win  —  MIAMI (AP) — Justin Turner homered and singled to increase his batting average to .374, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to nine games Sunday by beating the Miami Marlins 3-2.

Pirates get chance to make up ground on Brewers (Jul 17, 2017)  —  PITTSBURGH — If the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to keep their playoff hopes alive, the next four days are critical.  —  The Pirates (44-48), fourth in the National League Central, play host to the first-place Milwaukee Brewers …

Talkin' Tigers podcast: Al Avila missed boat on firing Brad Ausmus  —  Are you subscribed to our “Talkin' Tigers” podcast?  If not, you should be: Subscribe via iTunes or Google Play now.  —  On this July 17 episode of the “Talkin' Tigers” podcast, Free Press sports writers Anthony Fenech …

Rumor Central: Braves shopping Jaime Garcia?  —  The Atlanta Braves are attempting to deal veteran left-hander Jaime Garcia, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com.  —  Garcia had one of his best outings of the season on Sunday, allowing one run over seven innings against the Diamondbacks …