Detroit Tigers hit low point, embarrassed by Kansas City Royals, 16-2 … On the Detroit Tigers' best play of the game, Jose Iglesias made the worst play.  —  If there was somewhere to start in their latest beat down by the Kansas City Royals, perhaps it was there, in the bottom of the fifth inning …

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw hopeful he can make ‘at least a few’ starts before playoffs begin  —  Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, who is on the disabled list due to a back injury, congratulates Cody Bellinger after the Dodgers beat the Twins on July 25.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sale Away: Red Sox ace Ks 11 in 4-0 win over Mariners  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Chris Sale pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, top prospect Rafael Devers became the youngest Boston player to hit a home run in more than 50 years, and the Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0 on Wednesday to salvage the final game of the series.

Rumor Central: Nationals interested in Yu Darvish?  —  The Washington Nationals are interested in Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish but would prefer to trade for a controllable starter, reports MLB Network's Jon Morosi, citing sources.  Darvish will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Unexpectedly contending Brewers weigh mortgaging their future to fend off Cubs  —  The Brewers' Eric Thames celebrates after he hit a home run against the Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park on July 25, 2017.  —  The Washington Post  —  On the afternoon of July 14 …

Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, out since June 2, poised for Friday return  —  Houston Astros ace Dallas Keuchel will return to the rotation on Friday against the Detroit Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Wednesday.  —  Keuchel hasn't pitched for the AL West leaders since June 2 because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

White Sox OF Avisail Garcia sidelined by right thumb injury  —  CHICAGO (AP) — White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia has a right thumb injury that will sideline the All-Star slugger for a couple weeks.  —  Garcia complained of continued discomfort in his thumb after the White Sox lost 7-2 to the Cubs on Tuesday.

Todd Frazier had the majors' first run-scoring triple play since 2006  —  The Yankees' Todd Frazier ground into a run scoring triple play in the second inning against the Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 25, 2017.  —  Todd Frazier got a welcoming introduction from the public-address announcer …

Stephen Strasburg heads to DL as Nats call up LHP Erick Fedde  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals All-Star pitcher Stephen Strasburg is headed to the 10-day disabled list.  —  Following his team's 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night, manager Dusty Baker confirmed that Strasburg …

Odubel Herrera's benching is a just a night off, Mackanin says  —  Odubel Herrera was held out of the Phillies' lineup Wednesday night a day after he was yanked from the game.  But it was not a benching, Pete Mackanin said.  —  The manager said Herrera was just getting a day off …

First pitch: Hunter Renfroe chasing Padres rookie homer record  —  Padres right fielder Hunter Renfroe (center) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park.  (Jake Roth / Reuters Photo)

Longoria, Souza homer in Rays' 5-1 win over Orioles (Jul 26, 2017)  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Evan Longoria and Steven Souza Jr. homered and Alex Cobb pitched seven strong innings for the Tampa Bay Rays in a 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Bryce Harper wants to take part in D.C. Home Run Derby  —  WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper is all in on the Home Run Derby.  —  “If I do have the opportunity to play in the All-Star Game next year,” said the Washington Nationals slugger on Wednesday afternoon, “I'll definitely do the Home Run Derby.”

Rockies acquire Pat Neshek from Phillies for three prospects  —  Colorado has been looking for right-handed relief help.  —  PIN  —  The Rockies have acquired RHP Pat Neshek from the Phillies, per a team announcement.  Colorado is also receiving cash considerations, and will send three prospects back to Philadelphia in return.

Detroit Tigers minors: Dawel Lugo's 2-run single helps Erie SeaWolves  —  We take a look at the centerpiece of the Detroit Tigers' J.D. Martinez trade: Dawel Lugo, an infielder that was considered one of the Arizona Diamondbacks' best prospects.  Video by Brian Manzullo, DFP.  Wochit  —  CONNECT

Braves' Blair faces D-backs in Chase Field debut (Jul 26, 2017)  —  PHOENIX — Welcome to Chase Field, Aaron Blair.  —  Finally.  —  The Atlanta Braves right-hander was paid a $1,435,000 signing bonus as the No. 36 overall pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2013 draft.

Samardzija deals Giants to victory over Pirates ... but will he be dealt?  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Jeff Samardzija is drawing a significant amount of interest from contending teams as Monday's non-waiver trade deadline approaches.  The Giants, so viciously brought to heel by the rest of the league this season, must be open to listening.

Rumor Central: Cubs check in on Rene Rivera?  —  The Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have called the New York Mets about catcher Rene Rivera, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.  —  The 33-year-old Rivera, a free agent after the season, owns a .245/.291/.395 slash line with six homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games this season.

Thursday's game  —  Diamondbacks at Cardinals  —  Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis.  —  Pitchers: Diamondbacks RHP Zack Godley (3-4, 3.32) vs. Cardinals TBD.  —  TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1).  —  Godley hasn't recorded a win since June 22 in Colorado. ...

Rangers' rotation set through trade deadline, tentatively  —  The Rangers' rotation for the weekend and beyond is mostly set.  Andrew Cashner will start Friday's opener against Orioles' right-hander Chris Tillman.  The Rangers will either go with Austin Bibens-Dirkx or A.J. Griffin on Saturday against right-hander Kevin Gausman.