Top News:
Scott Hanson / Miami Herald:
Mariners break out bats big time in 14-2 smashing of Texas — SEATTLE - It was a welcome return to T-Mobile Park for the Seattle Mariners, and a very unwelcome introduction to the major leagues for Texas starter Taylor Hearn. — The Seattle Mariners, who scored four runs combined …
Discussion:
Booth, Justice …
RELATED:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers have roster mess on their hands for Friday. Here are three ways to clean it up — Manager Chris Woodward said late Thursday that he and the front office were working through what moves would be made Friday to try to put out the dumpster fire raging in the Texas Rangers' bullpen.
Toronto Sun:
Kikuchi to ‘open’ for Mariners against Rangers — One of the reasons left-hander Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Seattle Mariners in the offseason was the unique wellness plan they pitched to him. — Trying to avoid the injuries that have befallen Japanese stars like Yu Darvish …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Lookout Landing
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Hearn wasn't good, the other Rangers weren't much better, and it all was hard to watch
Evan Grant / Dallas-Fort Worth Sports News:
Taylor Hearn has shaky debut in an all-around embarrassing loss for Rangers
Chris Talbott / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Gonzales improves to 5-0, Mariners beat Rangers 14-2
Gonzales improves to 5-0, Mariners beat Rangers 14-2
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
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 …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs infielder Daniel Descalso's time with the Diamondbacks taught him the importance of winning now: ‘The windows open and close quickly’ — Chicago Tribune — The phrase “sense of urgency” hasn't been heard as much since the Cubs overcame a 3-8 start with nine wins in their last 12 games entering Friday.
Associated Press:
LEADING OFF: Vladdy Jr. debuts, La Tortuga gets his night — A look at what's happening around the majors today: — IT'S TIME — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is set to make his big league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays against the Oakland Athletics. The son of Hall of Famer Vladimir …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
RELATED:
ESPN:
'It's just Vlad Jr. being Vlad Jr.' Why we're so excited for Guerrero's MLB debut — His hitting exploits have already made him a social media sensation. He has a Hall of Fame father, a dynamic swing and an electric presence. His at-bats promise to be must-see viewing from the very start — and the very start is now.
Jon Tayler / Sports Illustrated:
What to Expect From Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as His MLB Career Begins
What to Expect From Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as His MLB Career Begins
Discussion:
Daily Hive, Athletics Nation, Bluebird Banter and The Ringer
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann (elbow sprain) placed on 10-day IL — Jordan Zimmermann hit the 10-day injured list on Friday with a right-elbow sprain, just a day after making an early exit from his start in Boston, the Detroit Tigers announced. — Zimmermann gave up five runs on five hits …
RELATED:
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann leaves with elbow soreness. 'It's not good'
Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann leaves with elbow soreness. 'It's not good'
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Bless You Boys
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers promote Casey Mize Double-A: ‘He needs to be challenged’
Detroit Tigers promote Casey Mize Double-A: ‘He needs to be challenged’
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Mike Digiovanna / The Charlotte Observer:
Angels blast Yankees, 11-5 — ANAHEIM, Calif. - A team in dire need of a morale boost and a victory got both Thursday night when the Angels muscled their way out of a four-run hole for an 11-5 win over the New York Yankees, preventing a four-game sweep by the visitors in Angel Stadium.
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Associated Press:
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.
Discussion:
True Blue LA and CBS Pittsburgh
Toronto Sun:
Yankees look to bounce back at Giants — Madison Bumgarner goes head-to-head with one of the teams most strongly linked to him in winter trade rumors when the San Francisco Giants open a three-game interleague series against the New York Yankees on Friday night.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball, McCovey Chronicles and Pinstripe Alley
Toronto Sun:
Rodon aims for 3rd straight win as White Sox host Tigers — The Chicago White Sox have received little positives out of their starting pitching this season, save for left-hander Carlos Rodon. — Rodon (3-2, 2.89 ERA) will look to win his third straight start on Friday night as the White Sox begin …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors, Bless You Boys and Lone Star Ball
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays head to Boston banged up and seeking revenge — With Joey Wendle joining Austin Meadows on the shelf, the team is shorthanded as it faces the defending champs. — BOSTON — In talking about his majors-best Rays during the first few weeks of the season, manager Kevin Cash …
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Over the Monster, DRaysBay and Tampa Bay Times
Lynn Worthy / Kansas City Star:
Royals cornerstone Alex Gordon fighting the good fight against Father Time — Royals general manager Dayton Moore looked out onto the field hours before a game last week in New York's Yankee Stadium — a place that has seen some of the bright talents in the game fade and forced into the background …
ESPN:
Mets' Rhame suspended 2 games for headhunting — New York Mets reliever Jacob Rhame was given a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at the head of Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced Thursday.
Discussion:
Sporting News, Talking Chop and New York Post