Spangenberg, Padres aim to keep rolling vs. Nats (Aug 17, 2017)  —  SAN DIEGO — The Washington Nationals kick off a four-game series with the San Diego Padres on Thursday.  That means one of baseball's hottest players will be in America's Finest City.  —  “It's just his energy,” Padres manager Andy Green said.

Mets third baseman David Wright rehabbing in Florida with intention to return this season, says Sandy Alderson  —  David Wright is going through his rehab in Florida with the intention of getting back this season, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said Wednesday.  —  After a year and a half without playing …

Sonny Gray wins first game as Yankee; Aroldis Chapman struggles, tweaks hammy … NEW YORK — Sonny Gray and the Yankees could walk off with smiles after another win in the Subway Series.  Everyone except closer Aroldis Chapman.  —  Gray outpitched Jacob deGrom, Jacoby Ellsbury …

Giancarlo Stanton fails to extend streak, says he wants to hit 61 homers  —  MIAMI — Giancarlo Stanton paused in his pursuit of a hallowed home run number, acknowledged he's shooting for 61 and said he finds baseball's statistical history both alluring and tainted.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud to play third base vs. Yankees Wednesday night  —  Remember when the Mets had too many infielders?  Yeah, seems like a long time ago.  —  After they dealt Neil Walker and Lucas Duda, the Mets were hit with two injuries Wednesday that forced them to get creative …

Why the Phillies demoted Nick Pivetta after his 11-strikeout game  —  SAN DIEGO — Odubel Herrera was not available to play against the Padres on Wednesday, and the Phillies do not know when he will be able to play again.  His left hamstring bothered him Monday and Tuesday.

Blue Jays Designate J.P. Howell, Mike Ohlman  —  The Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they've designated veteran left-hander J.P. Howell and catcher Mike Ohlman for assignment.  The moves will clear roster space for right-hander Dominic Leone (activated from the bereavement list) …

The Subway Series is a reminder that Brooklyn deserves a Major League baseball team  —  It's been 60 years since the Brooklyn Dodgers headed west.  With the Subway Series underway, there's no better time to consider making New York City a three-team town once more.  —  Bring on the Brooklyn Robinsons.

M's get some relief, edge Orioles  —  The Seattle Mariners won't go winless on their only homestand in August.  And if they can pull out another a victory on Wednesday in the finale in the seven game showing, well, that would be a series victory over the Baltimore Orioles and some glimmer …

BC-AP Sports Preview Digest  —  Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Wednesday.  A full Sports Digest will be sent by about 3 p.m. All times EDT:  — CHICAGO - The signed bid to purchase the Miami Marlins by a group including Derek Jeter is expected to be discussed …

Trout says it's ‘good for baseball’ that Harper's injury isn't bad  —  WASHINGTON — Mike Trout watched as Bryce Harper injured his left knee slipping on a base and remembered his own experience.  —  The Los Angeles Angels' center fielder jammed his left thumb sliding into a bag in late May and missed six weeks with a torn ligament.

CC Sabathia to return to Yankees this weekend, Masahiro Tanaka throws off of flat ground  —  CC Sabathia remains on track to return for the Yankees this weekend against the Red Sox.  The left-hander tossed a 25-pitch bullpen Wednesday and came away feeling ready for his projected Saturday start.

Mets' Matt Harvey pitches three scoreless innings in second rehab game  —  The Disabled Knight threw off a city mound in a game for the first time in two months Wednesday night, and he struck out the side to close out his start as he nears a return to Queens.  —  “For me, it's a feel thing, it's a mechanical thing,” Harvey said.