Yoenis Cespedes' return to Mets lineup uncertain, updates on Jay Bruce and Noah Syndergaard  —  The 16-word medical update the Mets provided on their $110 million Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes Friday didn't exactly illuminate or suggest encouraging news for Mets fans thinking the player nicknamed …

Masahiro Tanaka could pitch in Yankees' simulated game by late next week  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Masahiro Tanaka will be on a mound on Sunday.  —  For the first time since his twin hamstring strains, the right-hander will toss a bullpen session at Tropicana Field.

Numbers tell the story of the Brewers' offensive ups and downs  —  In terms of run support, the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff has not asked much of the offense this season.  —  Just give us three runs and we'll take it from there.  —  Entering the weekend, the Brewers were 5-3 …

James Shields rocked, White Sox rolled in season-worst 8th straight loss  —  Photos from the White Sox's doubleheader against the Athletics from U.S. Cellular Field on Friday, June 22, 2018.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  James Shields' four-run second inning — with the Athletics getting help …

Iowa Cubs pitcher Alec Mills makes the most of tough 2017 season  —  Triple-A baseball came to Des Moines in 1968 with the Iowa Oaks, and the Iowa Cubs have carried the torch since 1982.  Here's a collection of some of the biggest names and best players during that time.  Mark Marturello and Michael Zamora/The Register

Bryce Harper says he'll participate in Home Run Derby if he makes 2018 All-Star Game  —  Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper said Friday he would participate in the Home Run Derby at his home ballpark as long as he makes the National League all-star team.  —  “So count me in for the Derby …

Roberto Osuna, Blue Jays' all-star closer, suspended under MLB's domestic violence policy  —  Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna has agreed to a suspension through Aug. 4 under baseball's domestic violence policy, discipline that will cause him to miss about half of the season.

Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward back in 1-2 spots for Cubs  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward have proven to be a winning combination in the 1-2 spots, and they're back there Friday night against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.  —  Bryant, leading off for the seventh game …

Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates … PITTSBURGH - Baseball people always say there's no commodity more valuable than young starting pitching, and the Diamondbacks appear to have let a starter get away for nothing in the offseason.  —  The Kansas City Royals plucked right-hander Brad Keller away …

Yankees' late rally falls short as winning streak is snapped by Rays with 2-1 loss  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Yankees' seventh-inning rally came to an end — as did their four-game winning streak.  —  After Aaron Judge's RBI single brought the Bombers within a run in the seventh inning …

Ichi-who?  Suzuki Sits on Mariners' Bench in Fake Mustache Disguise  —  Officially, Suzuki isn't allowed to be in the dugout during games under Major League Baseball rules.  He came off the Seattle roster in early May and moved into the team's front office as a special assistant to the chairman.

Pitching out of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen suits Amir Garrett's personality well  —  Once Amir Garrett saw the home-plate umpire signal a called third strike, he let out a yell and clapped his hands three times as he walked toward the dugout.  —  Entering in the seventh inning Thursday …

Giants, Padres looking healthier in four-game series  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Two teams that looked a bit more like they hoped to look all season Thursday night will go head-to-head for the second straight game when the San Diego Padres take on the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

Minor league report: Poncedeleon pitches three scoreless for Memphis  —  Daniel Poncedeleon earned a big league call-up with the Cardinals June 11, but he did not appear in a game before the team optioned him back to AAA Memphis.  With Michael Wacha's oblique strain, Poncedeleon could make a return to the majors soon.

Report: Hanley Ramirez Being ‘Eyed’ In Federal, State Investigation  —  BOSTON (CBS) — This week, rumors and whispers have begun to surface about former Red Sox player Hanley Ramirez.  Late Friday afternoon, some details have been added to the picture.  —  Ramirez is “being eyed in connection …

Phillies Sign Danny Espinosa To Minor League Deal  —  The Phillies announced that they've signed veteran infielder Danny Espinosa to a minor league contract.  The MVP Sports client will give the Phils some additional infield depth following this week's injury to J.P. Crawford …