Top News:
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 …
Discussion:
ABC News
RELATED:
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Epstein: ‘No finish line’ on Russell return to Cubs — Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein said the team will go “day to day” and wait to make a determination on suspended shortstop Addison Russell after he plays his seven rehab games in the minors. — The Cubs could simply keep Russell …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
After the Cubs staff turns it around, Theo Epstein praises his pitchers' resiliency
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Addison Russell could be back with the Cubs on May 3. But that doesn't mean he'll start at shortstop over Javier Baez.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Jon Lester returns from the injured list as the Cubs go for the sweep of the Dodgers
Jon Lester returns from the injured list as the Cubs go for the sweep of the Dodgers
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
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:
CBS Pittsburgh
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Trevor Bauer throws 8 strong innings, Indians beat Houston Astros 2-1 — Bauer allowed one run, four hits and six walks while striking out three. — HOUSTON (AP) — Trevor Bauer threw eight strong innings, Leonys Martin and Jake Bauers homered off Gerrit Cole, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Houston Astros 2-1 on Thursday night.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
RELATED:
Chandler Rome / Houston Chronicle:
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.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
David Barron / Houston Chronicle:
Justin Verlander, Astros cruise to win over Twins in series finale
Justin Verlander, Astros cruise to win over Twins in series finale
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes and MLB Baseball News …
Scott Boeck / Arizona Republic:
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.
RELATED:
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs' Strop loses car, gets save on ‘crazy day’ — CHICAGO — Cubs closer Pedro Strop had to cut short talking with the police regarding his stolen car on Wednesday, just in time to secure the save in a wild 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. — Strop said his car was stolen earlier in the day.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and New York Post
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
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.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
RELATED:
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann leaves with elbow soreness. 'It's not good' — BOSTON - The question came from the stands, lingering over Jordan Zimmermann's early exit on Thursday night. — “Hurt or just bad?” a rival talent evaluator in attendance at Fenway Park asked.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLB Baseball News …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
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.
RELATED:
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings …:
Fletcher drives in 5 as Angels rally past Yankees — David Fletcher drove in a career-high five runs, helping the Los Angeles Angels rally from a four-run deficit to beat the New York Yankees 11-5 Thursday night in Anaheim, Calif. — Fletcher snapped a 4-4 tie in the sixth inning with a two-run single …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
RELATED:
Lynn Worthy / Kansas City Star:
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Pinstripe Alley
Andrew Joseph / USA Today:
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Talking Chop and Red Reporter
RELATED:
Angie Ricono / KCTV:
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.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, New York Post, The Ringer, CBS Boston, The Big Lead, Associated Press and The Comeback
Jordan McPherson / Miami Herald:
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 …
RELATED:
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
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.
Jesse Dougherty / Washington Post:
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.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Federal Baseball and MLB Baseball News …