Dustin Peterson almost got ‘decapitated’ in minors.  How it brought him to Detroit Tigers  —  Dustin Peterson, the Tigers' new outfielder, was sitting by his locker in Comerica Park.  —  “I know a little bit about your background,” I said.  “I know you were a high draft pick.  Big bonus.”

Goldschmidt's two-run shot in fifth has Cards on top 5-4  —  Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer into the left-center field stands in the fifth inning, allowing the Cardinals to regain the lead Monday night at Busch Stadium.  —  Matt Carpenter led off the fifth with a single.

Brewers interested in Gio Gonzalez, will be competition for Mets: sources  —  Gonzalez was released by Yankees on Monday  —  The market for Gio Gonzalez will be more robust than it was in the winter, with the Milwaukee Brewers now interested in bringing the lefty back, according to major league sources.

MRI on deGrom's elbow comes back clean  —  NEW YORK — New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom remains on track to start Friday night after an MRI on his right elbow showed no damage.  —  New York general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the NL Cy Young Award winner had a test Monday morning that came back clean.

‘He was going nuts’: Mets rookie Pete Alonso calls manager, pleads to be in lineup  —  ST. LOUIS — Mickey Callaway was heading to dinner with his parents in St. Louis on Saturday night when he received a phone call from his rookie first baseman, Pete Alonso.  —  It sounded some alarms in the mind of the manager.

Dodgers' arrival at Wrigley Field provides surging Cubs a measuring stick: ‘Right now it can go either way’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  With the Dodgers in town for a three-game series beginning Tuesday at Wrigley Field, the Cubs get an opportunity to show their recent surge is not a mirage.

Here's how Bryce Harper is doing with the Phillies so far  —  Bryce Harper has played the first 21 games of his Phillies career — out of a possible 2,106 regular-season games, assuming the length of the schedule doesn't change between now and 2031.  That's 1 percent of the potential games he might play …

White Sox rookie Eloy Jimenez to miss Orioles series after being placed on bereavement list  —  Photos of Eloy Jimenez, the White Sox outfielder and No. 4-ranked prospect by Baseball America.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez will return to his hometown of Santo Domingo …

Mountain Pointe product Cole Tucker taking Pittsburgh by storm with Pirates  —  PITTSBURGH - It was a scene right out “The Natural” as Phoenix's Cole Tucker came to the plate in the bottom the fifth for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a tie game Saturday.  —  As storm clouds gathered, a lightning bolt lit up the sky.

Possible Gallo dilemma: Try for Derby jackpot or preserve swing.  Which way is he leaning?  —  If things continue to go at the plate over the next two months as they are now, Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo will have a decision to make.  —  Compete in the Home Run Derby if invited …

Struggling O's ready for visit from White Sox  —  The Baltimore Orioles will welcome visiting Chicago on Monday, taking on a White Sox team that's in a similar place right now — struggling.  —  Baltimore was swept at home by the Twins over the weekend, while the White Sox have lost three of their last four.

Tatis, Machado becoming fast friends on left side of Padres infield  —  Fernando Tatis Jr., left, and Manny Machado do a little dance to the music being played during batting practice before a game last week at Petco Park.  (Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Raisel Iglesias returning to normal is key for Cincinnati Reds' bullpen  —  Tyler Mahle allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings against the Padres on Sunday.  He struck out nine and walked zero.  —  CONNECT  —  SAN DIEGO - When Reds closer Raisel Iglesias was struggling at the start of the season …

Donaldson homers twice, Braves rout Indians 11-5  —  Josh Donaldson had two homers and four RBIs, Freddie Freeman added three hits and the Atlanta Braves pounded Cleveland's pitching for the second straight night, beating the Indians 11-5 Sunday.  —  Donaldson belted a solo homer …