Messages received: Carpenter, Fowler stir to send Cards to win vs. Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS  • It's become customary for Cardinals manager Mike Matheny to let his position players know who is in the lineup and where before the game, often with a message he sends to their phones the night before.

Gabe Kapler explains unorthodox ninth-inning bullpen decision  —  BALTIMORE — Edubray Ramos had struck out Baltimore Orioles boppers Jonathan Schoop and Mark Trumbo — on six pitches, no less — in a classic save situation Wednesday when Phillies manager Gabe Kapler signaled to the bullpen for embattled closer Hector Neris.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora surprised by Carson Smith's injury comment  —  BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he was surprised to hear that reliever Carson Smith feels that fatigue could have contributed to his dislocated pitching shoulder.  —  Smith was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday.

Happ reaches 3 times, allows 2 runners as Jays thump Mets  —  Grounds crew members work on the infield during the fifth inning of a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays, Wednesday, May 16, 2018, in New York.  (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Derek Jeter staying positive despite frustrations with Marlins' record, attendance  —  MIAMI — Derek Jeter was chatting with a cluster of fans during Miami Marlins batting practice Wednesday when a preschooler wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers cap asked him to sign a baseball.

Detroit Tigers shut out from first place with 6-0 loss to Indians  —  The Detroit Tigers whiffed on their chance to climb into a first-place tie with Cleveland in the American League Central Division.  —  After winning the opening two games of the series, the Tigers were blanked, 6-0 …

Next Slide  —  PHOENIX - The way the Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen has performed this season, it's really not fair to pick nits when they don't get the job done on rare occasion.  —  But, the fact remains that you can't come into a tie game in the eighth inning and walk the first batter …

Justin Verlander anticipated a PED denial from Robinson Cano - who did not disappoint  —  Justin Verlander has been one of Major League Baseball's most outspoken players when it comes to positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs.  —  Justin Verlander has been one of Major League Baseball's …

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers … There is a “possibility” that Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb could rejoin to the team for its upcoming road trip, manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday.  —  Lamb, who is currently in the midst of a rehab assignment …

Joe Maddon says Mike Montgomery has ‘earned’ right to start Saturday  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses limiting his use of Ben Zobrist on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Cubs prospect watchers may have to wait at least the next few days …

Iowa Cubs and Round Rock Express show off their moves in a dance-off  —  Before the bats started swinging, the Iowa Cubs and Round Rock Express were moving to the groove before their game on Tuesday at Principal Park.  —  During pregame, just a minute or two before the first pitch, the song …

Austin Voth will be 26th man for Wednesday night's Nationals-Yankees game, if they play it … Washington Nationals players had to be in their clubhouse by 3 p.m. Wednesday, two hours before their suspended game against the New York Yankees was due to resume in the sixth inning …

Yanks-Nats series postponed by rain; 2 games set for June 18  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — By the time the New York Yankees open a three-game series at the Kansas City Royals on Friday, rookie manager Aaron Boone's club will be coming off