New contract ties David Ortiz to Red Sox in variety of roles  —  David Ortiz is back with the Boston Red Sox.  The Dominican slugger signed a contract tying his future with the organization in perpetuity.  “Forever,” was the word used by the team in a press release sent on Wednesday announcing the new terms of their relationship.

Winker's leadoff homer has Reds up 1-0 after two at Busch  —  As they did on Tuesday night in a 13-4 Cardinals' series-opening win, the Reds grabbed the lead with a first-inning solo home run.  Jesse Winker hit Jack Flaherty's second pitch of the game past the foul pole in right for his first career leadoff homer.

Tigers' Buck Farmer: ‘Appalling’ to imply hitting ump was intentional  —  The Detroit Tigers vehemently denied they intentionally hit home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott with a pitch during Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians.  —  Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer, who threw the pitch …

Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez: Powerful bromance blooms in desert for Diamondbacks  —  PHOENIX - J.D. Martinez didn't need Paul Goldschmidt to complete his stunning reclamation, and Goldschmidt didn't need Martinez to become one of the game's greatest players.

Matt Harvey aware that performance, outside distractions leave him in poor standing with Mets  —  CHICAGO — Matt Harvey was mad.  —  The righthander stormed through the clubhouse to stand in front of his locker and face questions about his night, about his journey back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Series preview: White Sox at Tigers  —  Chicago Tribune  —  All games on WLS-AM 890.  —  Season series: Sox lead 8-7.  —  RH James Shields (3-6, 5.40) vs. LH Chad Bell (0-2, 5.79)  —  RH Carson Fulmer (2-1, 6.00) vs. RH Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 7.43)  —  RH Reynaldo Lopez (1-3, 4.76) vs. RH Myles Jaye (1-1, 6.75)

Max Scherzer hits a wall, and Braves show little mercy in 8-2 win over Nats  —  Max Scherzer looks on after walking the bases loaded in the seventh inning, the first time in his career as a National that he had walked three straight batters.  Atlanta scored six runs in the inning to blow open an 8-2 win.

Darvish has strong outing against Giants, and Dodgers breathe sigh of relief  —  SAN FRANCISCO  —  Andrew Friedman walked around the field before Wednesday's game, clutching a water bottle, smiling easily.  —  Tuesday had been good to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Planner behind Fenway ‘Racism is American’ banner explains anti-racist statement  —  UPDATE, 1 a.m., Sept. 14: The protest group member who spoke to CSNNE said Antifa Boston's claim of responsibility for hanging the banner at Fenway Park is “ridiculous.”  —  “The five of us are in no way associated …

Mariners Felix Hernandez will start Thursday  —  The Seattle Mariners activated right-handed ace Felix Hernandez from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday.  —  Hernandez will start Thursday night against the Rangers.  —  The Mariners placed Hernandez on the disabled list Aug. 5 with right shoulder bursitis.

Rosario's 2-run homer in 10th gives Twins 3-1 win vs. Padres  —  MINNEAPOLIS  —  Eddie Rosario hit a two-run home run with two outs in the 10th inning, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night to maintain their cushion for the second AL wild card spot.

We've never seen a player like Whit Merrifield.  Why his rise was years in the making  —  The piece of paper was taped to the inside of his locker earlier this summer, a clubhouse prank that served as a statement of sorts.  Whit Merrifield showed up to work one day, and there it was.

Indians' dominance rewrites story of 2017 season  —  CHICAGO — The Cleveland Indians' win streak is amazing: 21 games and counting.  But it means nothing.  It's championship or bust for these Indians.  —  Division titles are great — Cleveland is on the verge of clinching …