How soon will Cole Ragans return from injury?  Royals provide encouraging update  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Cole Ragans will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha this weekend.  — The Royals scheduled Ragans for four to five innings with a 65-pitch limit.

Dodgers' Max Muncy optimistic wrist injury won't lead to IL this time  —  Initial X-rays after Muncy was hit by a pitch Friday were negative, but the Dodgers are proceeding cautiously because he landed on the IL in a similar situation in 2019.  He won't play for at least a few days …

Cleveland Guardians through 50 games: Evaluating what has stood out with a pop quiz  —  DETROIT — Through 50 games, the Cleveland Guardians sit atop the AL Central, with a 28-22 record, a competent offense and a customarily steady pitching staff.  But let's see whether you truly know this team.

Pages has worked hard to become one of Dodgers' many stars  —  This story was excerpted from Sonja Chen's Dodgers Beat newsletter.  To read the full newsletter, click here.  And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.  —  Ask some of Andy Pages' teammates to describe …

Shohei Ohtani, Tampa Bay Ray?  The proposed 2023 deadline deal that would've shocked baseball  —  Imagine, if in 2023, Shohei Ohtani had unleashed his two-way prowess for the Tampa Bay Rays, if only for a few months.  Imagine if he had been traded for Junior Caminero, who would now be starring …

Rockies Select Chad Stevens  —  The Rockies announced they've selected infielder Chad Stevens from Triple-A Albuquerque.  Colorado placed outfielder Brenton Doyle on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 20, with a left oblique contusion.  The Rox also recalled right-hander Blas Castaño …

Braves Claim Maverick Handley  —  The Braves on Thursday claimed catcher Maverick Handley off waivers from the Orioles, per a team announcement.  Righty Hurston Waldrep moves from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.  Handley was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.