What's behind Xander Bogaerts' breakout season  —  BOSTON — The same story has been written about the 2019 Boston Red Sox countless times.  Inconsistency, inconsistency and inconsistency have been the buzzwords surrounding the defending World Series champions, and for much of Thursday night, things looked much the same.

Epstein: Zobrist could return to Cubs this season  —  LOS ANGELES — Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein says there's a path for veteran Ben Zobrist to return to the team before the end of the season.  —  “There's been a little definition added to how he hopes this thing might go,” …

Detroit Tigers observations: Jones continues to produce; Norris solid  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Before Wednesday night's game, Ron Gardenhire had a talk with JaCoby Jones.  —  After hitting so well over the past three weeks, Jones was moved up nine spots in the batting order against the Royals, all the way up to leadoff.

Yoan Moncada is out of the lineup for the 2nd straight game as the White Sox open their series against the Yankees  —  Yoan Moncada is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game as the White Sox begin a four-game series against the Yankees on Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Jed Lowrie ‘not close’ to playing games, shining light on $20 million deal that's flopping  —  Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen signing Jed Lowrie to become the team's starting third baseman never really made sense six months ago.  It makes even less sense now.

Top Cincinnati Reds games: No. 37 - Joey Votto's third homer a grand slam on May 13, 2012  —  Joey Votto just couldn't resist the reference.  —  The Cincinnati Reds first baseman had just completed a record-setting day at the plate, significantly brightening an otherwise dreary Great American Ball Park …

Cardinals slid, slide, rally to tie game, 4-4, before rain delay  —  St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches during the sixth inning of a game on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.  Photo by Colter Peterson, cpeterson@post-dispatch.com

Patrick Corbin was ‘prepared’ for difficult transition from Diamondbacks to Nationals  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Patrick Corbin knew what to expect.  He had prepared himself for the possibility of leaving the Diamondbacks, and he had prepared himself for seeing his former team in the opposite dugout.

One of the prospects in the Christian Yelich trade had a dazzling debut for the Marlins, shutting out the Cardinals  —  The Christian Yelich trade will forever live as one of the great transactions in Milwaukee Brewers history, but the Miami Marlins may still get some positive returns on the deal.

Angels' Ohtani to throw from mound soon  —  Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani continues to progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and he could throw from a mound before the All-Star break.  —  “He's getting close,” manager Brad Ausmus said before the Angels played …

As Blue Jays flounder, phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. impresses: ‘None of this scares him’  —  BALTIMORE — Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s face still carries the wide eyes and soft features of youth.  At 20, and not yet two months into his career as a Toronto Blue Jay, he is still learning big-league pitching …

Dodgers News: Minor League Affiliates Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Great Lakes Loons Clinch Playoff Spots  —  Since being bought by the Guggenheim Baseball Management group in 2012, the Los Angeles Dodgers set about transforming their Minor League system into what is now consistently one of the sport's best.