Padres won't apologize for trying to win as other MLB teams are content with mediocrity  —  PHOENIX — Come on, you weren't really fooled, were you?  —  Did you actually believe those rumors that the San Diego Padres were going to trade All-Star closer Mason Miller?

Ohtani resumes playing catch, keeping regular-season return to mound on table  —  PHOENIX — After a layoff of more than two weeks, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani started a throwing progression by playing catch on the field ahead of Saturday night's game against the D-backs at Chase Field.

Diamondbacks to sign veteran starting pitcher, sources say  —  The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign veteran right-hander Zack Littell, a source said, in a move that gives them additional rotation depth less than a week after they were unable to land another starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline.

Former Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer ‘super excited’ for fresh start with Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Marcelo Mayer still has plenty of baseball ahead of him this season.  The 23-year-old infielder, who was one of the game's most heralded prospects less than a year ago with the Boston Red Sox …

Jackson Jobe dominates for Tigers in return from Tommy John surgery  —  Jackson Jobe was impressive in his long-awaited return to the mound for the Detroit Tigers, pitching five outstanding, scoreless innings against the Giants in San Francisco on Saturday.  —  Jobe allowed just one hit …

Reds out-homer Nationals but winning streak ends in series opener.  —  WASHINGTON − A season of Cincinnati Reds pitchers digging deep will see the staff forced to dig deeper in the wake of the news that starting pitcher Hunter Greene was done for the season.

Jackson Jobe gives Detroit Tigers chance to settle starting rotation  —  SEATTLE - One of the Detroit Tigers' most promising young arms is set to return to the starting rotation this weekend in San Francisco, after nearly a 14-month absence.  That Jackson Jobe is back - along with, presumably …

Hunter Greene to undergo right elbow surgery  —  WASHINGTON — After he underwent a second opinion for his sore right elbow, Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene will have to undergo surgery to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament.  The type and extent of the procedure Greene will need is not yet known.

Rangers begin crucial series with thrilling win thanks to ‘special’ game-saving relay  —  Brandon Nimmo, Nicky Lopez and Elias Diaz combined for a perfect relay to throw out the Orioles' tying run at home plate in the ninth inning.  —  ARLINGTON — He didn't spend spring training in Surprise …

Yankees To Sign Mitch Garver To Minor League Deal  —  The Yankees and catcher Mitch Garver have agreed to a minor league deal, reports Ted Schwerzler of minnesotasportsfan.com.  Garver will join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  The deal has an opt-out later this month.