Ex-Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus: ‘You can just keep blaming me’  —  Former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus returns to Detroit  —  Welcomed back by a bunch of television cameras and a well-represented Japanese media contingent, Detroit's favorite scapegoat returned to Comerica Park …

Cincinnati Reds-Oakland A's delayed 98 minutes because of a lighting malfunction  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - Another day and another odd delay for the Cincinnati Reds.  —  The Reds' road game against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday was delayed for 98 minutes because of a lighting malfunction …

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 …

Defensive lapses doom Cardinals  —  The Cardinals unusually have given up six runs in an inning three times in the past couple weeks.  But the one the Philadelphia Phillies laid on them in the second inning Tuesday night at Busch Stadium, with a large assist from the Redbirds' defense, was the Cards' worst inning of the season.

Consistency?  Conviction?  Look no further than Marlins veteran reliever Sergio Romo  —  The sun had set on Wrigley Field on Monday night as the Miami Marlins clung to a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth over the hometown Chicago Cubs after rallying back from being down three.

Diamondbacks facing roster crunch with Alex Avila's return imminent  —  Alex Avila played in a game for the second time in as many days at extended spring training, a significant step in the eyes of manager Torey Lovullo and a sign the Diamondbacks catcher is nearing a return from the injured list.

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.

Anthony Rendon returns, Carter Kieboom departs for Nationals  —  Help is trotting out to third base.  —  Anthony Rendon (left elbow contusion) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.  Struggling prospect Carter Kieboom was sent back to Triple-A Fresno following a 10-day audition that did not go well.

Gio Urshela continues to earn playing time despite Miguel Andujar's return to the Yankees  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone on the club's depth  —  NEW YORK - For now, the Yankees are having it both ways.  —  Miguel Andujar is back in the lineup and Gio Urshela remains a presence at third base.

Braves' Fried takes liner off hand; X-rays clean  —  LOS ANGELES — Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried exited Tuesday's start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning after taking a line drive off his pitching hand.  —  X-rays came back negative and revealed that Fried suffered a contusion.

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.

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 …

Indians SP Trevor Bauer calls out cyber bullies after struggling through loss to White Sox  —  After allowing 10 hits and eight runs in five innings of work against the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians starter Trevor Bauer responded to his critics on Twitter, imploring them to rise above bullying.