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 …

There's a new starter in town for Cubs — for now — Jen-Ho Tseng  —  Manager Joe Maddon discusses the Cubs' win against the Mets on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  One minute, Jen-Ho Tseng was named the Cubs' minor-league pitcher of the year Wednesday.

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.

Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt reaches 1,000 hits in win over Rockies … CONNECT  —  Paul Goldschmidt appeared insulted.  Someone had dared to ask him a question about a personal accomplishment.  The question, to be precise, was whether he cared to reflect on his 1,000th hit …

New York Yankees stave off Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field  —  NEW YORK — Jaime Garcia allowed one run but came an out shy of qualifying for a win as the New York Yankees scored three times in the top of the second inning and held on for a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday …

Lucas Giolito fights through command issues to help White Sox top Royals 5-3  —  White Sox starter Lucas Giolito discusses his outing against the Royals on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.  (Chris Kuc/Chicago Tribune)  —  The on-the-job learning process continues for White Sox rookie starter Lucas Giolito.

Nationals' Jayson Werth returns after 5-game absence  —  WASHINGTON — Jayson Werth is back in the Washington Nationals' lineup after missing five games with a shoulder injury.  —  “Very relieved,” said manager Dusty Baker, who has Werth batting seventh and playing right field against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

Orioles notes: O's to keep Dylan Bundy on short leash with postseason in mind  —  The Orioles lose to the Bue Jays, 3-2.  (Denise Sanders, Baltimore Sun video)  —  Orioles lose opener in Toronto 4-3 — their fifth straight loss and third straight by two runs or less.

Marlins move weekend home series to Milwaukee  —  “Home” for the Marlins this weekend will be Milwaukee.  —  As the result of Hurricane Irma, the Marlins are moving their weekend home series with the Brewers to Miller Park in Milwaukee.  —  “Marlins Park stood ready to host the games …

After peaks (91-36) and valleys (1-16), what's next for the Dodgers?  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Dave Roberts played nine seasons in the minors before establishing himself in the big leagues when he was nearly 30, launching an itinerant 10-year career that preceded a five-year coaching stint …

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.

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates lose despite Andrew McCutchen's 200th career homer  —  EMAIL NEWSLETTERS  —  MILWAUKEE — Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he was looking forward to watching Tyler Glasnow pitch Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.  —  Hurdle did not get to see too much, though …