Column: Will the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry return to its antagonistic roots this weekend at Wrigley Field?  —  Chicago Tribune  —  “The Cardinals Way” is a slogan used for years in St. Louis as shorthand for “excellence.”  —  Whether it was a myth or not, the repetition of the phrase …

These three hard-throwing relievers in minors could join Rangers' bullpen this season  —  The Texas Rangers' bullpen reached crisis level last week, when an injury to Drew Smyly and a series of short starts left the club scrambling for relief pitchers.  —  That explains why Wei-Chieh Huang …

White Sox place Carlos Rodon on the 10-day injured list and reinstate Lucas Giolito  —  Post-Tribune  —  The White Sox on Thursday placed left-hander Carlos Rodon on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.  —  Rodon, who allowed three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in the first game …

Addison Russell on being optioned to the minors, his future with the Cubs and more  —  As Addison Russell neared the end of his 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse police, the All-Star shortstop was given a short stint …

The Amazing Rays: MLB's Most Innovative Team Continues Blazing New Trails  — No-name players.  Relievers as starters.  A mathematician on the coaching staff.  Tampa Bay is trying everything to win—as long as it's cheap.  And that boldness could change the game.

Mike Foltynewicz struggles in second start of season after injury  —  Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz could not find his groove on the mound.  —  He made his second start of this season Thursday in the Braves' final game of their four-game series against the Padres at SunTrust Park, in which the Braves lost, 11-2.

The Indians Could Afford a Quiet Offseason But Now Pay the Price After Corey Kluber's Injury  —  Cleveland could've taken preventive measures in the offseason to soften the blow of Corey Kluber's injury.  The club passed.  Now it hurts.  —  Cleveland found itself in an enviable position this offseason.

Giants summon catcher Stephen Vogt from Triple-A, will promote Tyler Beede  —  Tyler Beede is about to get another chance to prove that it's never too late for a first-round draft pick to make his name in the majors.  Beede will be promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to start Friday night's road-trip opener …

Edwin Diaz falters again as Mets spoil Jacob deGrom's gem vs. Reds  —  Cy Young winner rights ship, but Mets bats are quiet in 1-0 loss  —  NEW YORK — Two crucial parts to the Mets pitching staff were searching for rebound performances on Wednesday night.  One of them did, but the other did not.

Is MLB's ball juiced?  Home runs are being hit at record pace and pitchers just want the truth  —  SportsPulse: C.C. Sabathia has likely punched his ticket to Cooperstown after eclipsing 3,000 strikeouts.  MLB Insider Bob Nightengale looks at the current players that are also locks to be future Hall of Famers.

Arizona Diamondbacks know what it's like to be a visitor in their own home  —  Living in Arizona means entertaining guests from colder climates in the spring.  And however happy we are to see friends and family, there is a bit of guilty joy when the last visitor leaves and the house is your own again.

Perez pitches Twins past Astros 6-2 behind Schoop's big HR  —  Martin Perez pitched eight scoreless innings in his longest start in two seasons, and Jonathan Schoop hit a towering two-run homer to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Wednesday night.

Pollock to undergo surgery for infection in right elbow  —  SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder A.J. Pollock will need surgery because of an infection in his surgically repaired right elbow.