Sources: Rays to explore playing in Montreal  —  The Tampa Bay Rays received permission from Major League Baseball's executive council to explore a plan in which they would play early-season home games in the Tampa Bay area and the remainder of the year in Montreal, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.

Dodgers hold off Giants' rally in 9th for 9-8 victory  —  Madison Bumgarner and rode their hot-hitting lineup for the first eight innings of Thursday night's game against San Francisco.  It was their clutch fielding that ended up helping them hold on for a 9-8 win.

The perfect player: Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis a time for celebration  —  ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols still has a home in the suburbs of St. Louis but hasn't set foot inside Busch Stadium since Dec. 8, 2011.  —  This is the home he helped build, leading the Cardinals …

Royals Activate Hunter Dozier  —  The Royals have activated third baseman Hunter Dozier from the 10-day injured list and optioned outfielder Jorge Bonifacio to Triple-A Omaha.  —  Dozier's back after missing three weeks with chest tightness.  The 27-year-old performed like one of the majors' breakout stars …

Mets pitchers scuffle hours after coaching shakeup at Wrigley  —  CHICAGO - The Mets began the day with an enormous disruption to the structure of their coaching staff when Brodie Van Wagenen and his front office made an executive decision to fire pitching coach Dave Eiland.

Trevor Bauer, Baseball's Imperfect Evangelist  —  CLEVELAND — Trevor Bauer has thrown more pitches this season than any other major leaguer.  Many pitches have not gone where he wanted, but this is the most fitting category for him to be leading.  Bauer, the restless and relentless right-hander …

A Letter from Mark D. Lerner: Nationals Announce Extension of Protective Field Netting  —  Dear Nationals Fans:  —  Today, we announced additional protective netting will be installed at Nationals Park during the All-Star break.  Ultra Cross Knotless Dyneema protective netting will be installed …

Rubby De La Rosa on verge of departing Diamondbacks for Japan  —  Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa, who has spent the first 2 1/2 months of the season in Triple-A Reno for the Diamondbacks, is on the verge of having his rights sold to the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan's top league.

Reds Reportedly “Open To Adding A Controllable Hitter”  —  The Reds are “open to adding a controllable hitter” this summer, according to a recent report from MLB.com's Jon Morosi (Twitter link).  —  This bit of scuttlebutt seems mostly to reflect a few self-evident realities about the Cincinnati org's situation.

Gordon, Sparkman lead Royals past Twins, Odorizzi 4-1  —  Jake Odorizzi in the first inning and beat the  —  Minnesota Twins 4-1 Thursday night.  —  Glenn Sparkman (2-3) gave up just one run and five hits in a season high-tying seven innings.  He walked one and struck out three.