Nationals' Dave Martinez had a chat with Bryce Harper after slugger failed to run  —  NEW YORK — Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez met with star Bryce Harper on Saturday a day after the outfielder failed to run out a ground ball in the fifth inning of Washington's 4-2 loss to the New York Mets.

Yankees' CC Sabathia back in Cleveland facing Indians  —  CLEVELAND — On April 8, 2001, 20-year-old CC Sabathia made the first start of his major league career, at Progressive Field.  Saturday night, 37-year-old CC Sabathia will make the 557th start of his major league career, at Progressive Field.

1993 White Sox reunion: A run to a division title — and memories for a lifetime  —  Jack McDowell throws out a ceremonial first pitch to Ozzie Guillen as the 1993 AL West championship White Sox team is honored before the Sox-Royals game Saturday at Guaranteed Rate Field.  (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Justin Verlander: Detroit Tigers fans were on my mind for 2017 trade  —  HOUSTON — It's going to be different, Justin Verlander knows.  But how different, he won't know until he takes the mound at Minute Maid Park for the 406th start of his major league career on Sunday afternoon.

Javier Baez's rock star performance moves Cubs into first place  —  Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, Joe Maddon and Tyler Chatwood on the Cubs' comeback win against the Padres (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Javier Baez is only 25, so it was understandable that he confessed …

Pirates look to stay hot in doubleheader against Brewers  —  Moxie might not be enough to dig the Pittsburgh Pirates out of their hole in the National League Central, but they are showing a fair amount of it this weekend against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Mariners call up promising relief prospect Matt Festa for final two games before the All-Star break  —  Right-hander Christian Bergman, who started on Friday night, was optioned back to Class AAA Tacoma.  —  DENVER — With two games remaining at Coors Field before the All-Star break …

Orioles make progress in Manny Machado trade talks, sources say  —  The Baltimore Orioles, deep into trade talks regarding All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, have made progress in recent days and have narrowed their focus to a smaller group of teams, sources told ESPN.

Bad news for Angels — Clayton Kershaw back to old self  —  LOS ANGELES — The pitcher who has come to define the Los Angeles Dodgers will be on the mound Saturday against the pitcher who was once a member of the Dodgers — for a few hours.  —  Clayton Kershaw will be making …

Rays Tales: Picking the first-half MVP for ‘the most interesting team in baseball’  —  MINNEAPOLIS — We'll start with some free advice for the Rays marketing folks: Find a way to play off those old Dos Equis beer commercials and pitch this squad as the “most interesting team in baseball.”

Braves Place Arodys Vizcaino On DL  —  For the second time since last month, Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino is headed to the 10-day disabled list because of right shoulder issues (inflammation, to be exact).  The team announced the move, adding that it has reinstated fellow reliever Peter Moylan from the 10-day DL.

Dodgers need deal for another Manny at trade deadline  —  LOS ANGELES-Matt Kemp was pondering trade deadline possibilities when he saw someone walking across the Dodgers clubhouse who could provide him with some insight.  —  “Are we getting Manny Machado?”  Kemp called out.

Here's the plan for Gary Sanchez as Yankee catcher starts rehab stint  —  CLEVELAND — Gary Sanchez will start his minor-league rehab stint on Sunday with Triple-A Scranton.  —  Sanchez is expected to catch seven innings.  —  Sanchez will then DH, get a day off and catch again during …

Top 5 trade deadline deals of the century as the Yankees and Red Sox search for their midseason game changer  —  ​As the Yankees and Red Sox are reviving memories of what for years was called The Last Great Pennant Race, involving the Braves and Giants in 1993, it is worth remembering …

Reds Xtra: Adam Dunn happy to go in Reds HOF, but wishes he had title to go with plaque  —  ST. LOUIS — The question gave Adam Dunn pause.  —  Dunn was asked what he thinks of his career, now that he's four years removed from playing.  —  Is he happy with it?  —  “You know, that's a tough question,” he said.

Future tense?  Tigers' Futures Game players haven't often panned out  —  Examining Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos' All-Star credentials.  Video by Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press.  Wochit  —  CONNECT  —  Major League Baseball's All-Star break begins Monday, but before that …