Games of the Day  —  Blake Snell faces Masahiro Tanaka as the Rays and Yankees continue their epic battle for the AL East lead.  They Rays put together a great cost effective team, while the Yankees added so much depth they sustained injuries to a number of their best players.

Cardinals, grasping for a spark, stick with lineup amidst losing streak  —  ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The trip to Texas and the access to the designated hitter seemed to give the Cardinals all the reason they needed to give their lineup a different look.  They had scored two runs in two losses in Atlanta …

Diamondbacks bullpen provides major lift in shut-out win vs. Giants  —  After right-hander Merrill Kelly loaded the bases in the sixth inning, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo turned to right-hander Yoshihisa Hirano to inherit three runners in one-run game and one out.

Braves erupt for 9-run inning in win over Brewers  —  When Braves manager Brian Snitker switched up his lineup last weekend, he ignited an offensive revival even he probably didn't foresee.  —  Behind an explosive sixth and another prodigious performance from Max Fried, the Braves outdid the Brewers, 12-8, on Friday.

Cards add power arms to bullpen mix  —  ARLINGTON, TEXAS — While giving regular updates on Carlos Martinez's minor-league appearances as the righthander made his way back to the major-league bullpen, manager Mike Shildt would offer radar readings on Martinez's fastball for the “velocity fiends.”

White Sox put LHP Banuelos (shoulder) on IL  —  CHICAGO — White Sox left-hander Manny Banuelos has been placed on the injured list, another blow to a Chicago pitching staff that already lost Carlos Rodon and Nate Jones for the season this week.  —  Banuelos left in the fifth inning …

RedsXtra: You've got questions, we've got answers  —  You've got questions we've got answers:  —  Question: From P.J. Rahe: When Scooter Gennett comes back, something has to happen, right?  He's going to play and have to play Jose Iglesias at shortstop.  Just curious of who you think goes where?

Rangers' Kelley has lumps removed from throat  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers reliever Shawn Kelley had two lumps surgically removed from his throat this week.  —  Kelly says an initial biopsy on the lumps was inconclusive, so doctors removed the “decent-sized” lumps on Thursday.

Braves Select Jerry Blevins, Release Jonny Venters  —  The Braves are again shaking up the bullpen, selecting the contract of lefty Jerry Blevins, who'd been designated and outrighted earlier in the week after clearing waivers, to replace fellow lefty Jonny Venters, who's been issued his release by the club.

Kinsler on outburst: Only regret doing it on field  —  SAN DIEGO — Ian Kinsler said he regrets using profanity during an emotional outburst after hitting a pivotal three-run home run for the San Diego Padres on Thursday night and maintained he was firing up his teammates and not taking a shot at fans.

Bundy handles Indians as Orioles end slide with 5-1 win  —  The Indians treated their fans to a postgame fireworks display.  —  Dylan Bundy barely let them hear a pop.  —  Bundy kept Cleveland's lineup in check — and in the ballpark — for 5 2/3 innings and Jonathan Villar hit a three-run homer …

Is Kyle Seager a Top-5 all-time hitter for the Seattle Mariners?  —  Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager began a rehab stint with the AAA Tacoma Rainiers this week.  Seager has missed the entire season after undergoing surgery to an injured tendon in his left hand, which he suffered diving for a ball in Spring Training.

McCutchen, Harper lead Phillies over Rockies 5-4  —  Andrew McCutchen's early batting practice quickly paid off.  —  McCutchen hit a two-run homer, Bryce Harper lined a two-run double and Cole Irvin tossed six effective innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Colorado Rockies 5-4 Friday night.

Cubs Claim Chandler Shepherd  —  The Cubs have claimed righty Chandler Shepherd, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.  Shepherd was designated for assignment by Boston yesterday morning.  —  Shepherd, 26, transitioned to a full-time starter last season for Boston's AAA-Pawtucket affiliate …