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 …

Zoilo Almonte impresses in first start as Yankees roll  —  NEW YORK — Zoilo Almonte provided much-needed pop in his first major league start, homering and adding two singles Friday night to lead the New York Yankees over the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2.  —  Almonte started in place …

White Sox Roll to 9-1 Win Over Punchless Royals  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hector Santiago shut down the Royals' punchless offense for a career-best eight innings, and the Chicago White Sox roughed up Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie in a 9-1 rout Friday night.

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 …

Strasburg, Nationals Beat Rockies 2-1  —  WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg struck out nine over seven innings, Ian Desmond homered in the seventh to help give the righty his first win in June and the Washington Nationals beat the slumping Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Friday night.

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.

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.

(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 …