Rookie rivalry: Mets' Pete Alonso, Padres' Chris Paddack do battle after award snub  —  SAN DIEGO — Pete Alonso was the “top dog” as far as National League rookies go in April, but there's plenty of time left for Chris Paddack to win one too.  —  And judging by the way the San Diego Padres …

Albert Almora Jr. batting leadoff as the Cubs look to start a new winning streak against the Marlins  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After blowing a lead in the ninth inning Monday night and losing 6-5, the Cubs hope to start a new winning streak against the Marlins.

Cleveland Indians announce Francisco Lindor, Jim Thome and Sandy Alomar Jr. as 2019 MLB All-Star Game ambassadors  —  When the MLB All-Star Game comes to Cleveland this summer, the Indians will be represented by a current All-Star and a pair of former All-Stars.

Snell shuts down D-Backs, Pham hits grand slam as Rays roll  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell took a perfect game into the sixth inning and Tommy Pham hit his first career grand slam, leading the Tampa Bay Rays over the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-1 on Monday night.

Angels manager aided Verlander's late-career effectiveness while with Tigers  —  Brad Ausmus remembers the conversation clearly.  —  In 2014, his first year managing the Detroit Tigers, he summoned ace starter Justin Verlander into his office and told him, “You may never throw 97 (mph) again.”

Indians' Kluber hoping to return this season  —  CLEVELAND — Indians ace Corey Kluber is hopeful he will be able to come back from a broken right arm and pitch again this season.  —  The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner spoke Tuesday for the first time since he was struck …

Cardinals notebook: Hurler Martinez next heads to Memphis  —  Carlos Martinez's first step toward his return from a shoulder ailment that flared up again in the spring was a six-pitch, three-up-and-down outing Sunday at Class A Peoria (Ill.).  His next several steps will be as a reliever …

As Yankees continue to answer the bell with the replacements, help is on the way  —  The day that Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Andujar went on the injured list within hours of each other, there was almost a consensus around baseball that was going to be the day the Yankees season went off the rails.

The journey of Cubs catcher Taylor Davis: From ‘mercy pick’ to getting snubbed by Cardinals to grand-slam heroics  —  Matt Davis answered the phone Monday at his office in Jupiter, Fla.  —  “Let me close the door,” he said.  —  Yes, this could take a while.

Source: Mac Williamson Called Up to Giants After Red-hot Start in Triple-A  —  SAN FRANCISCO — For a second straight year, Mac Williamson has forced the issue.  —  Williamson will join the Giants on Tuesday in Denver, NBC Sports Bay Area has learned.  The outfielder hit three homers Monday night, getting up to nine for the season.

Rangers say bullpen is possible for Miller.  He hopes start vs. Pirates changes their mind  —  Shelby Miller is a starting pitcher.  He says so, and so does his Baseball Reference page.  —  The right-hander is scheduled for his seventh start of the season Wednesday and No. 131 of his career.

Brewers top road-weary, mistake-prone Nats  —  Ben Gamel had three hits and scored twice and Orlando Arcia added three hits with a run scored as the host Milwaukee Brewers beat the sleep-deprived and defensive-challenged Washington Nationals 5-3 on Monday.  —  The Nationals sat on the airport tarmac …

Hudson to face Phillies as Fowler returns to lineup  —  Coming off his longest outing of the season, Dakota Hudson will face Philadelphia on Tuesday night when the Cardinals try to make it two in a row over the Phillies.  —  Hudson (2-2) pitched six innings at Washington …

Masahiro Tanaka's adjustments, track record could make the difference against Mariners  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Monday's win against Seattle and rookie Thairo Estrada's night  —  NEW YORK - Without being specific, Masahiro Tanaka gave the sense that he's a small adjustment away from getting back on track.

Pablo Sandoval makes history in Giants' loss: pitching, homering, stealing  —  CINCINNATI — The Giants got pounded by the Reds on Monday, but Pablo Sandoval hit the trifecta.  —  A steal of third in the second inning.  A three-run homer in the sixth inning.  And a scoreless relief stint in the eighth inning.