Jose Martinez engages fans with pregame cannon  —  Hoping for a shot at redemption, 19-year-old Ben Klee bought a ticket for section 339.  He arrived to Busch Stadium in time for pregame warmups.  He waited, holding a black and tan glove.  —  Over the past month, first baseman Jose Martinez has developed a pregame tradition.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge: ‘No need’ to defend Home Run Derby title  —  Aaron Judge has already decided to pass on defending his 2017 Home Run Derby title.  —  The New York Yankees slugger said he will skip the event this July at Washington's Nationals Park.

‘Future is now’ for Braves thanks to historic young duo of Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuña Jr.  —  SportsPulse: MLB insider Bob Nightengale looks at the historic season Shohei Ohtani is putting together and if he truly can become the ‘next Babe Ruth.’ USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds getting to work early under Jim Riggleman  —  It's been a daily ritual before home games since Jim Riggleman took over as Reds interim manager.  —  A handful of players are out on the field at 3 p.m. or so for early work.  It's usually the basics: Bunting, base-running, fielding.

Diamondbacks lose 13th time in 14 games, 9-2 to Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — The tables did not turn for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Milwaukee.  —  Travis Shaw hit a three-run homer and Jesus Aguilar had a go-ahead, two-run single during a seven-run fourth inning to help …

Chicago Cubs take crack at Cleveland Indians rookie Adam Plutko  —  An accomplished veteran southpaw will face off against an inexperienced but ambitious right-hander when the Chicago Cubs host the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night to wrap up a two-game series at Wrigley Field.

Jose Altuve standing tall again as Astros host Giants  —  HOUSTON — The standard of excellence is so high for Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, the reigning American League Most Valuable Player, that one weekend blip of stalled production rings alarms.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon defends catcher Willson Contreras' pitch-framing skill  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how starter Jon Lester has maintained his success and the play of Ian Happ on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Fulmer, Goodum help Tigers top Twins 4-1, stop 5-game skid  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Michael Fulmer is a bit confused.  —  Fulmer felt good going into his previous outing yet allowed three runs in a no-decision during a loss at Seattle.  —  “I come here today just not feeling well.

J.D. Martinez Doesn't Need The Green Monster  —  When the Boston Red Sox signed free agent slugger J.D. Martinez this past offseason, it looked like a match made in baseball heaven.  As a right-handed power hitter who'd recently embraced MLB's fly-ball revolution — to great effect …

Mariners strike deal for another 25 years at Safeco Field  —  The Mariners are staying at Safeco Field for the next 25 years.  —  The Seattle Mariners will spend another 25 years at the ballpark known as Safeco Field, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced in a brief press release Wednesday.