Tigers designate Valverde for assignment  —  Club hopes that struggling closer will agree to go to Triple-A Toledo  —  DETROIT — After manager Jim Leyland announced Thursday that Joaquin Benoit would pitch the ninth inning when “healthy and available,” the Tigers designated Jose Valverde for assignment Friday.

Aaron Hernandez Arrest Warrant Prepared on Obstruction of Justice Charge, Sources Say  —  New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is now the subject of an arrest warrant drawn up on obstruction of justice charges based on the possible destruction of evidence in connection with the shooting death …

Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler slow to heal from injured hand  —  WASHINGTON — Dexter Fowler leaned back in his chair and answered a question about going on the shelf.  A week after a fastball smashed into the knuckle on his right ring finger, the Rockies center fielder …

Yankees, Cano far apart, increasing odds All-Star tests free agency  —  NEW YORK — For those who figured that once Yankee-loving New York icon Jay-Z became one of Robinson Cano's agents the contract negotiations with the Yankees were going to go swimmingly, smoothly, and most of all quickly.

Garza pitches into 9th inning as Cubs beat Astros  —  CHICAGO — Matt Garza pitched into the ninth inning and Anthony Rizzo hit his first home run since May 18 to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Houston Astros 3-1 on Friday after a rain delay that lasted more than 3 hours.

Buchholz takes step toward possible Tuesday return  —  DETROIT — The latest target date for Clay Buchholz to pitch for the Red Sox is on Tuesday night at Fenway Park against the Colorado Rockies.  —  The right-hander, who is 9-0 in 12 starts, has been dealing with discomfort in his neck and last pitched for Boston on June 9.

(USATSI)  —  The Angels have placed starting pitcher Jason Vargas on the 15-day disabled list — retroactive to June 18 — due to a blood clot in his left armpit area, the club announced Friday.  As a corresponding move, Billy Buckner has been recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Cubs Ready To Sell  —  We're just under six weeks away from the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.  At this point, many teams are still attempting to determine whether or not they're buyers or sellers, and the addition of a second Wild Card in each league has made that a longer process than it was in the past.

Dickey takes mound for sizzling Jays versus Orioles  —  The Sports Network  —  (Sports Network) - R.A. Dickey searches for some consistency on Friday when the Toronto Blue Jays begin a three-game series versus the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre.  —  Dickey, the National League's …

Royals, Manaea Agree On $3.55 Million  —  By starring in the Cape Cod League last summer, Indiana State lefthander Sean Manaea put himself in position to go at the top of the 2013 draft.  While that didn't happen-he slid to the 34th overall pick after battling a hip injury-he'll get paid as if it did.