Mariners getting healthy as they face Astros  —  The Seattle Mariners are finally getting close to fielding the starting lineup they expected this season as they prepare for Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Houston Astros in Seattle.  —  Left fielder Ben Gamel …

Next Slide  —  Leonys Martin was so happy to hit his first career grand slam, he wrote a thank-you note after the game.  —  Martin smiled as he held the grand slam ball in his hands after the Detroit Tigers' 13-8 win over the Orioles on Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park, before tucking it away in his locker.

Yankees react to team's viral video supporting bullying victim: ‘Hopefully we just sent a positive message’ … When Yankees director of media relations Jason Zillo approached Aaron Boone and his players with an idea to promote positive change, there was no hesitation.

Bader starts in center as Pham gets a day off; O'Neill offers pop off bench  —  CHICAGO  • With a roster move Thursday morning and a lineup nod later that day, the Cardinals revealed how they feel about center fielder Tommy Pham's recovery from a groin soreness that interrupted his ninth inning, in the cold, on Tuesday night.

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds fired Bryan Price on Thursday after their 3-15 start, the first managerial change in the major leagues this season.  —  Price was in his fifth season leading the rebuilding team, which has relied on rookies more than any other team in the majors during his tenure.

Belt homers as Giants beat Diamondbacks 4-3  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Brandon Belt hit a two-run homer with two out in the 10th inning, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Wednesday night to stop a four-game slide.  —  Andrew McCutchen opened the 14th with a leadoff single against Brad Boxberger.

Dodgers extend win streak to four with sweep over Padres  —  SAN DIEGO  —  When he arrived at the ballpark Wednesday afternoon, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knew who his closer was.  The unsteady April of Kenley Jansen was not enough to dislodge him from the position he earned with half a decade of excellence.

Braves beat Phillies, await word on Freeman's status  —  Philadelphia Phillies' Vince Velasquez singles during the fifth inning of the team's baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)  —  Philadelphia Phillies' Andrew Knapp scores …

Austin has hearing to appeal 5-game suspension  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin had his hearing Thursday to appeal his five-game suspension for his part in a brawl with the Boston Red Sox.  —  John McHale Jr., a special assistant to baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, heard the appeal.

Alex Rodriguez's cousin held captive after Lamborghini deal goes bad  —  Two men were arrested after they allegedly held a cousin of former slugger Alex Rodriguez for ransom Wednesday night, New York police confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.  —  Norberto Susini was held hostage at a New York hotel …

Twins beat Indians 2-1 in 16 innings in Puerto Rico  —  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Eddie Rosario scored the winning run in his homeland in the 16th inning, coming around on Ryan LaMarre's single to lift the Minnesota Twins over the Cleveland Indians 2-1 on Wednesday night for a split of their two-game series in Puerto Rico.

Pirates brace for familiar face vs. Phillies  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates will see a familiar face Thursday night in Philadelphia.  —  Jake Arrieta, making his third start with the Phillies, will be on the mound against the Pirates, the team he's faced the most during his major league career.

Felipe Alou's book tells more than game stories  —  Felipe Alou has plenty of captivating stories to tell from the six decades he has spent in pro baseball, including stints playing alongside Willie Mays and Hank Aaron and managing Barry Bonds, three of the top five home run hitters of all time.

Houlihan, Lecce, McHugh promoted to senior VPs by MLB  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Houlihan, Jamie Leece and Barbara McHugh have been promoted to senior vice presidents by Major League Baseball.  —  The 38-year-old Houlihan becomes senior vice president and deputy general counsel …