Michael Conforto takes first step in recovery from concussion  —  Michael Conforto took his first big step in returning to the field on Monday.  The outfielder rode on a stationary bicycle to represent the first physical activity allowed since sustaining a concussion last Thursday in Washington.

Cincinnati Reds notes: Yasiel Puig hopes to return to lineup Wednesday  —  MILWAUKEE - Right fielder Yasiel Puig was not in the Reds lineup Tuesday after hurting his right shoulder making a catch on Sunday.  —  “I don't know,” he said.  “I hope I can play Wednesday or the first game in Chicago (on Friday).

Giancarlo Stanton was supposed to play in a minor league game, then he wasn't  —  BALTIMORE — While Aaron Boone was being asked about integrating his stars back from the injured list and into a team that has thrived without them, Giancarlo Stanton was being quietly removed from the lineup …

Anthony Swarzak on trade, his own Braves scouting report  —  Anthony Swarzak received a call from Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto around 10:30 a.m. Monday.  Later that day, he was stuck on the middle seat (21st row, to be exact) of a plane in route to San Francisco.  —  “Let's move to Atlanta,” he told his wife.

Red Sox, Yankees to face off on turf for 1st time  —  NEW YORK — The traditional rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will take a radical twist when they meet in London next month: They will play on artificial turf for the first time in their rivalry, covering more than 2,200 games.

Taylor Clarke, Jon Duplantier both candidates to join Diamondbacks starting rotation  —  SAN DIEGO — Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was still not prepared to name a starting pitcher for the vacant spot left by right-hander Zack Godley, but minor-leaguers Taylor Clarke and Jon Duplantier remain …

Sean Newcomb answering the call in relief role for Braves  —  Sean Newcomb capped the Braves' youthfully ideal Monday win with his first career save, notching a perfect inning against the Giants.  —  The lefty, considered quite an enigma even dating back to his days as an Angels prospect, has rediscovered himself in the bullpen.

Ender Inciarte hasn't resumed baseball activities  —  Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte hasn't resumed baseball activities since being sidelined with a lumbar strain on May 15.  —  The 28-year-old Inciarte is still experiencing back tightness as he rehabs in Atlanta, manager Brian Snitker said.

Astros place Collin McHugh on injured list with sore elbow  —  Righthander Collin McHugh, who was placed Tuesday on the 10-day injured list retroactive to last Saturday, said an MRI showed no structural damage in his sore right elbow and that he will go a couple of days without picking up a baseball before beginning rehab work.

Cubs SS Baez to have MRI on right heel  —  CHICAGO — Though the Chicago Cubs don't believe the injury is serious, shortstop Javier Baez is getting an MRI on his injured right heel as he's not in the starting lineup for the second straight game.  —  Manager Joe Maddon indicated Baez told him on Monday he was still hurting.

Mozeliak says Cards' rotation must improve, especially on road  —  The Cardinals have 11 of their next 14 games at home, beginning with Wednesday's day-night doubleheader with Kansas City, created by Tuesday's game being canceled because of foreboding weather.

Former Rays and Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey back in the game, now working for Dodgers  —  Hickey resigned unexpectedly from Cubs post in November, now joins Dodgers in player development role.  —  ST. PETERSBURG - Former Rays and Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey was back at the Trop on Tuesday …

Andrelton Simmons Diagnosed With Grade 3 Ankle Sprain  —  The Angels announced that shortstop Andrelton Simmons has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 ankle sprain and been placed on the 10-day injured list.  He'll see a specialist tomorrow, after which the team will provide more details on his expected timeline.

Marisnick, White homer as Astros beat White Sox 3-0  —  Playing without George Springer, who leads the American League with 17 homers, the Astros got pop from the bottom of the lineup to give them at least one homer in 17 straight games.  —  HOUSTON (AP) - Jake Marisnick and Tyler White homered …

Mariners rally within run of Rangers, but can't overcome massive early deficit  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Given the nature of the start, it seemed as if Monday would offer another one of those lopsided, position-player pitches, empty-the-bullpen type of blowouts that the Mariners have been wearing far …