Astros block Free Press from Justin Verlander's postgame media session  —  The Houston Astros blocked a Detroit Free Press reporter from attending Justin Verlander's postgame media session on Wednesday night, violating Baseball Writers' Association of America protocol and possibly the MLB collective bargaining agreement.

Pirates Release Francisco Cervelli  —  The Pirates announced today that they have released catcher Francisco Cervelli.  The 33-year-old had been attempting to work his way back from a concussion.  —  Today's move represents a disappointing end to to Cervelli's generally excellent tenure in Pittsburgh.

Orioles set record for most home runs allowed in single MLB season  —  We knew the rebuilding Baltimore Orioles would be in for another long, non-competitive season.  —  What we didn't anticipate was the true extent of how overmatched their pitching would be, and how quickly their staff would smash a dubious MLB record.

Acuña delivers winning single, Braves beat Marlins again  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuna Jr. hit an RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning and the  —  Atlanta Braves won their fifth straight game, finishing off the  —  Miami Marlins 3-2 on Thursday night.

Robinson Cano ramps up activity while Jeff McNeil begins rehab assignment  —  Robinson Cano snuck in a round of batting practice ahead of the Mets' series finale against the Indians on Thursday.  He was also scheduled to run the bases as part of a mapped-out plan to ramp up his activity on the field.

Giants vs. Cubs lineups: Jeff Samardzija on mound trying to avoid sweep  —  The Giants will be closing out their time in the Windy City on Thursday with a matinee game as they send former Cub  —  Jeff Samardzija to the hill.  —  Samardzija enters with a 9-9 record and sports a 3.54 ERA.

Sam Huff: Rangers 2019 Minor League Player Of The Year  —  If the race for the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Year were a presidential election, Sam Huff would be Ronald Reagan and everyone else would be Walter Mondale.  —  In other words, Huff would win in a landslide.

Robbie Ray nears return as Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation remains in flux  —  In a nearly empty Chase Field early Tuesday afternoon, loud grunts resonated from the home bullpen, followed by the pop of a catcher's mitt.  —  Robbie Ray was back on a mound.  As it turned out, he was feeling good.