Brandon Lowe heads to injured list; Nate Lowe called up  —  Brandon Lowe, who had been named as an All-Star replacement, still plans to go to Cleveland to take part in the festivities.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The crutches in Brandon Lowe's locker and the ultrasound device tucked inside …

Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman scratched from start against Red Sox  —  Toronto Blue Jays all-star right-hander Marcus Stroman was scratched from Thursday's start against the Boston Red Sox due to a pectoral injury.  —  Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo describes the injury as a “left pectoral cramp” …

Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila receives ‘multi-year’ contract extension  —  Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is receiving a multi-year contract extension, the Free Press learned on Friday.  —  The team announced the news just before holding a 3 p.m. news conference at Comerica Park.

Another big hit from Edman lifts Cardinals past Mariners 5-4  —  Tommy Edman came through with another key hit, and the  —  St. Louis Cardinals rallied for a 5-4 win over the  —  Seattle Mariners on Thursday.  —  Wieters hit a solo shot in the third inning and Fowler added a two-run drive in the fourth.

Cincinnati Reds' Amir Garrett placed on injured list; Scooter Gennett OK after exiting  —  Amir Garrett was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a left lat strain.  He owns a 1.70 ERA this season.  —  CONNECT  —  The Cincinnati Reds didn't have a left-handed pitcher available …

Mets Still Pondering Trade Deadline Approach  —  This season has been a horror show for the Mets, who entered the campaign with designs on a playoff berth but have stumbled to a 39-48 record thus far.  With the July 31 trade deadline just over three weeks away, the Brodie Van Wagenen-led club looks like a surefire seller.

Should Every MLB Team Have an All-Star?  —  Every team is required to have an All-Star.  Should that be the case though?  —  One of the last controversial wrinkles regarding the All-Star Game comes down to all 30 teams being represented.  MLB is required to select at least one player from every team …

Rangers beat Angels 9-3 in finale Skaggs would have started  —  Lance Lynn matched the major league lead with his 11th win and the  —  Texas Rangers avoided a series sweep with a 9-3 victory over the grieving  —  Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night, the Fourth of July game that the late

Fire Breaks Out at St. Lucie Mets' Stadium After Fourth of July Fireworks  —  A fire broke out on the Fourth of July at First Data Field.  —  The St. Lucie Mets hosted an “Independence Day fireworks extravaganza” on Thursday night in honor of the Fourth of July that ended in a fire outside the stadium at First Data Field.

Lindor, Ramirez help Indians sweep Royals with 8-4 clincher  —  Cleveland Indians rallied to beat the bumbling  —  Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep.  —  Tyler Naquin and  —  Jason Kipnis also drove in runs for the suddenly streaking Indians …