Lester solid in return, but Dodgers get past Cubs 2-1  —  CHICAGO — Although it wasn't enough to keep the Cubs rolling, Jon Lester was pleased with his first outing in more than two weeks.  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers spoiled the veteran left-hander's return to the rotation by scoring …

Greinke leads Diamondbacks past Pirates for 4-game sweep  —  PITTSBURGH — Zack Greinke did a little bit of everything on Thursday, holding the Pirates to two hits over seven innings and adding a big hit of his own to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-0 victory and a four-game sweep of Pittsburgh.

Miguel Andujar expected to participate in extended spring training Friday  —  ANAHEIM — Miguel Andujar is expected to be testing his right shoulder in an extended spring training game on Friday.  The Yankees' third baseman is trying to avoid season-ending surgery on his right labrum.

Cubs closer Pedro Strop earns save after his car was stolen  —  Chicago Cubs closer Pedro Strop earned his third save of the season Wednesday night while police were in pursuit of his stolen car.  —  Strop had his car stolen earlier in the day before the Cubs hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Reds ripped off the Braves' ‘Beat the Freeze’ and now they need to race  —  They say imitation is a form of flattery, and when it comes to the in-game promotional gimmicks, there's plenty of imitation across baseball.  —  It was only a matter of time until another team saw the success …

Phillies' Rhys Hoskins trolls Mets with casual stroll around bases after home run  —  He didn't charge the mound, but Rhys Hoskins got some revenge on Wednesday.  —  One night after Jacob Rhame nearly hit him high twice, Hoskins took the Mets reliever deep to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead, which would stand as the final score.

KCTV5 obtains recording of Tyreek Hill and Crystal Espinal discussing their son's broken arm  —  FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) - KCTV5's investigative department was sent a recording of Tyreek Hill and his fiancé discussing the police investigation and what they are telling police.

Astros' Michael Brantley faces his former Indians squad  —  Whether he strokes single or strikes out, makes a diving catch or watches a detonated home run travel above his head in left field, Michael Brantley exudes no emotion.  —  Part of Brantley's demeanor is what attracted the Astros to him this past offseason.

Detroit Tigers promote Casey Mize Double-A: ‘He needs to be challenged’  —  BOSTON — Last June, the Detroit Tigers were at Fenway Park the day after the team drafted Casey Mize with the No. 1 overall pick.  —  The anticipation, even then — not even a day into Mize's Tigers tenure — was palpable.

Marlins catcher Alfaro's power has been on full display — when he's not striking out  —  When you watch what Jorge Alfaro did in the fifth inning Tuesday, when he effortlessly belted a fastball just above the strike zone for a 357-foot home run over the right-field fence at Progressive Field …

Braves Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox remains hospitalized  —  Legendary Braves manager Bobby Cox remains hospitalized, according to a person close to the situation, despite previous reports.  He suffered a stroke and initially was hospitalized April 2.  —  Cox, 77, has been accepting visitors, including manager Brian Snitker.

Royals-Angels series preview, probable pitchers: Duffy to pitch opener of homestand  —  Matchup: The Royals (8-17) begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.  First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Saturday's game …

Nationals plan to call up top prospect Carter Kieboom  —  The Washington Nationals are planning to call up top prospect Carter Kieboom, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation, and the infielder is expected to join the team ahead of Friday's home game against the San Diego Padres.

Dan Winkler regaining form, and that is vital for Braves  —  Dan Winkler's campaign didn't begin as he hoped, but the late start has provided optimism that he'll again be a pivotal piece of the Braves bullpen.  —  Winkler, 29, opened the season in Triple-A due to a baseball quirk …