Mets blanked by Tigers in Justin Verlander's debut, swept for 2nd time this season  —  DETROIT — Justin Verlander jogged out to the Comerica Park mound in a familiar setting in front of familiar fans.  They gave him a standing ovation.  A few of them even chanted “M-V-P” …

How the Baltimore Orioles became a contender  —  KANSAS CITY — Austin Hays debuted for the Baltimore Orioles as a late September call-up in 2017 at 21, a year after Baltimore made its last playoff appearance.  The next season, spent by Hays at Double-A, they went 47-115.

Chicago White Sox miss some prime opportunities — going 1-for-16 with RISP — in a 7-3, 12-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins  —  Chicago White Sox third baseman Hanser Alberto got hit by a pitch on the right arm on a 1-2 count with the bases loaded in the 10th inning against the Minnesota Twins.

Yankees' Carlos Rodón's back problem takes another twist: ‘It really sucks’  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Injured Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodón broke his silence Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since the end of spring training.

Texas basketball legend Lance Blanks dead at 56  —  Cedric Golden Kirk BohlsAustin American-Statesman … Lance Blanks, one of the best shooting guards in Texas basketball history, died in Dallas on Wednesday.  He was 56.  —  The NBA confirmed Blanks' death late Thursday afternoon.

Chicago Cubs call up top prospect Matt Mervis — and he'll be at Wrigley Field on Friday  —  WASHINGTON — The Chicago Cubs are adding some thump to their lineup.  —  First baseman Matt Mervis has been called up from Triple-A Iowa, sources confirmed to the Tribune.

Assembly leader: A's stadium deal running out of time in Nevada Legislature  —  The leader of the Nevada Assembly says the Legislature could “run out of time” on a potential deal to send hundreds of millions of dollars in public money to help construct a baseball stadium in Las Vegas …

Behind the scenes on Titans draft night: How Peter Skoronski landed in Tennessee  —  CHICAGO — In an alcove of a cozy restaurant, Peter Skoronski, known for being impenetrable, is surrounded by hope.  —  His phone rings, Skoronski answers, and his eyes get wide.

Warriors make surprising lineup change ahead of Game 2 vs. Lakers  —  JaMychal Green will make his first start as a Warrior in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals as Golden State faces the Los Angeles Lakers  —  The Warriors made a starting lineup change ahead of Thursday's Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon fired after link to suspicious bets, sources say  —  Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired Thursday amid a widespread investigation into suspicious betting activity on the Crimson Tide's game against LSU six days ago.

Rays' Zach Eflin asked by umps to remove wedding ring during start  —  One inning into Rays starter Zach Eflin's 7-inning gem against Pittsburgh, the umpiring crew had him remove a ring from his glove hand during a conference on the mound with Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash present.