Top News:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Hearn placed on injured list with elbow tightness. How concerned are the Rangers? — Not only did Taylor Hearn have one of the shortest MLB debuts in Texas Rangers history Thursday, it turns out that a sore elbow might have been a contributing factor. — The left-hander was placed …
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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:
U.S.S. Mariner, Lookout Landing and MLB Baseball News …
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers have roster mess on their hands for Friday. Here are three ways to clean it up
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers haven't looked like a .500 team of late, but that's what they were entering Friday
Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times:
Mariners recall top prospect Justus Sheffield for Friday's game, designate reliever Shawn Armstrong for assignment
Discussion:
sports.MyNorthwest.com, Booth, Justice … and Lookout Landing
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jacob deGrom activated, Jacob Rhame and Luis Guillorme optioned — As expected, Jacob deGrom made his return from the 10-day injured list on Friday for the Mets scheduled night game against the Brewers at Citi Field. — The Mets also added right-hander Corey Oswalt to their 25-man roster.
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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:
baseballmusings.com, MLB Baseball News …, Athletics Nation, McCovey Chronicles and Bluebird Banter
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Miguel Andújar clears next hurdle, could rejoin Yankees soon — SAN FRANCISCO — Miguel Andújar passed a big test Friday and the Yankees are now hopeful he could rejoin them by next weekend. The third baseman, who is rehabbing a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder …
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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:
McCovey Chronicles, Pinstripe Alley and Lone Star Ball
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.
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LaMond Pope / Chicago Tribune:
Eloy Jimenez returns to the White Sox lineup for the opener of a 3-game series against the Tigers — Post-Tribune — Eloy Jimenez rejoins the starting lineup as the White Sox open a three-game series against the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. at Guaranteed Rate Field.
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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:
Bless You Boys, MLB Trade Rumors and Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
Pazos dealt from Phillies to Rockies for Stovall — PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies acquired infielder Hunter Stovall from the Colorado Rockies for left-hander James Pazos on Friday. — Pazos was obtained from Seattle in December as part of the trade that sent infielder Jean Segura to Philadelphia.
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Eddie Matz / ESPN:
Mad Max: Scherzer third-fastest to 2,500 K's — WASHINGTON — Max Scherzer continues to put himself in rare company. — The Washington Nationals ace and three-time Cy Young winner recorded his 2500th career strikeout on Friday, becoming the third-fastest pitcher to reach the plateau, based on innings.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
'He's ready to fly': Cubs are hoping for a breakout start from Yu Darvish on Saturday — Chicago Tribune — It wasn't scripted this way 14 months ago, but the Cubs would be happy if Yu Darvish follows in the footsteps of Tyler Chatwood when he faces the Diamondbacks on Saturday.
Richard Morin / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley: Kyler Murray is ‘quarterback of the future’ for Cardinals — Archie Bradley sat down in his locker after taking part in his normal, pre-game workout routine. But the former quarterback prospect for the Oklahoma Sooners had a bit more pep in his step on Friday.
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Robinson Canó's familiarity with NL pitchers is improving as he nears hits milestone — When the world watches an illustrious hitter like Robinson Canó endure an early-season slump, normally, the player's insecurity level rises. — Though Canó is not immune to worrying …
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds bullpen rolling, despite no strict roles — ST. LOUIS - The Cincinnati Reds bullpen is without strict roles, but that hasn't kept it from rolling as a unit. — The relief corps went into Friday's game with a 3.24 ERA, third-best in the National League.
