Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt expected to have season-ending Tommy John surgery  —  NEW YORK — Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt likely needs a second Tommy John surgery that would sideline him for the remainder of this season and much of next year, a huge blow to New York's injury-riddled rotation.

Mets pitcher José Buttó goes on 15-day injured list with unspecified illness  —  NEW YORK — New York Mets reliever José Buttó was put on the 15-day injured list Friday with an unspecified illness, the team's 13th pitcher on the IL.

Astros drub Dodgers by 17 in L.A.'s worst Dodger Stadium loss  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered their worst loss ever in Dodger Stadium, an 18-1 blowout at the hands of the Houston Astros on Friday night in the series opener between division leaders.  —  The 17-run loss marked …

Cubs' Jameson Taillon to miss more than month with calf strain  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs righty Jameson Taillon was placed on the injured list on Friday with a right calf strain, the team announced before its game against the St. Louis Cardinals.  He's expected to miss “more than a month,” according to manager Craig Counsell.

Phillies demote Mick Abel to Triple-A, move Taijuan Walker back to rotation  —  PHILADELPHIA — Mick Abel couldn't sustain his sublime major league debut and is headed to the minors.  —  Taijuan Walker is back in Philadelphia's rotation.  And anticipation that prized prospect Andrew Painter …

Diamondbacks activate star outfielder Corbin Carroll from injured list  —  PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks activated outfielder Corbin Carroll from the 10-day injured list before Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals.  —  Carroll, sidelined since June 18 with a chip fracture in his left wrist …

If standings say buy at trade deadline, front office expects OK to spend: Cardinals Extra  —  CHICAGO — As the calendar pushes them toward the trade deadline and what could be a defining decision for the current club and the next few years, the Cardinals intend to let the results of the next few weeks be their guide.

With Max Muncy expected back from knee injury, Dodgers stick with trade deadline plans  —  When Max Muncy first went down on Wednesday night, clutching his left knee and writhing in pain after a collision with Chicago White Sox baserunner Michael A. Taylor on a steal attempt at third base …

Royals add 3rd catcher to roster.  It came at the expense of a struggling outfielder  —  The Kansas City Royals shuffled their roster ahead of Friday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.  —  The Royals selected the contract of Luke Maile from Triple-A Omaha to operate as a third catcher.