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 …
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
4 takeaways from the Cubs' series win against the Dodgers, including Javier Baez's grip on the shortstop position — Chicago Tribune — Here are four takeaways from the Cubs' 2-1 series win against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field: — 1. It's finally Javier Baez's time at shortstop.
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Strop's car stolen before he saves Cubs' wild win
Strop's car stolen before he saves Cubs' wild win
Discussion:
Arizona Republic and New York Post
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Hearn wasn't good, the other Rangers weren't much better, and it all was hard to watch — On the bright side Thursday night, only one Texas Rangers player was injured. Injured physically, that is. — However, there is probably some emotional scarring that will need to be addressed.
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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 …
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
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:
CBS Pittsburgh
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.
RELATED:
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
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 …
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'
Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann leaves with elbow soreness. 'It's not good'
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
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:
NESN.com, ProFootballTalk, The Ringer, New York Post, CBS Boston, The Big Lead and The Comeback, more at WeSmirch »
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.
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Cincinnati.com:
Nick Senzel is doing well, but there's no timetable for him joining the Cincinnati Reds — Nick Senzel was not in the lineup for the Louisville Bats Thursday night. Read absolutely nothing into that, i.e., Senzel wasn't headed up I-71 to join the Reds. — But reports on him are good.
RELATED:
Andrew Joseph / USA Today:
The Reds ripped off the Braves' ‘Beat the Freeze’ and now they need to race
The Reds ripped off the Braves' ‘Beat the Freeze’ and now they need to race
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Talking Chop and Red Reporter
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:
The Crawfish Boxes and Let's Go Tribe
Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Why Dustin Pedroia teaching Eduardo Rodriguez a pitch isn't all that weird — The biggest news that came out of the Red Sox' win over the Tigers Wednesday night was how Eduardo Rodriguez learned his new and improved slider. That was because of who taught the Sox starter his new pitch, second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and Over the Monster
ESPN:
MLB Weekend Watch: Questions, predictions about the games ahead — Beyond the goings-on north of the border, we've got a playoff rematch from last season and a big AL East rematch from last weekend among other intriguing series. Here's what we're excited about this weekend and how we think things will play out.
Nick Friar / WEEI:
Red Sox Farm Report: Three Sea Dogs pitchers combine for no-hitter — Double-A Portland logged its fourth no-hitter in team history in Thursday's 2-0 win over the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets). — Kyle Hart got things rolling with 6 2/3 innings of lockdown pitching.
Discussion:
Over the Monster
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