Jason Heyward could return to Cubs lineup by end of Cardinals series  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The discomfort in Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward's right side has subsided to the point where he might return to the lineup Tuesday night.  —  “If it was up to me, I'd be playing right now …

Three potential suitors if Yanks trade Beltran  —  Alex Rodriguez returns to the New York Yankees' lineup Tuesday to serve as the designated hitter, and Carlos Beltran spoke the other day about how much he's looking forward to returning to the outfield.  —  That Beltran will be part …

Rays Hang On to Beat Marlins 4-3, Ending a 3-Game Slide  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSMAY 24, 2016, 3:55 P.M. E.D.T.  —  MIAMI — Jake Odorizzi allowed two hits in five shutout innings, Hank Conger hit a two-run single and the Tampa Bay Rays held on to beat the Miami Marlins 4-3 on Tuesday.

Vermont's most famous former baseball player's pitch for governor  —  Fringe candidates for public office often come out of Left Field.  —  But this year, the best nationally-known name on the lineup of candidates for governor comes out of the bullpen.  —  Former Red Sox and Expos pitcher Bill …

Carson Smith To Undergo Tommy John Surgery  —  Red Sox reliever Carson Smith will require season-ending Tommy John surgery, the club has announced.  It's a big blow for Boston and the young reliever, who was acquired from the Mariners over the winter.  —  Smith, 26, had missed the start …

Jason Heyward made Cubs catcher David Ross cry with his retirement gift  —  Jason Heyward was quick to share the wealth after he signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in December.  According to Bleacher Report, one of Heyward's first moves after locking up the new deal …

Marlins Claim Asher Wojciechowski, Designate Tim Berry  —  The Marlins announced that they've claimed right-hander Asher Wojciechowski off waivers from the Astros and optioned him to Triple-A New Orleans.  In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, left-hander Tim Berry has been designated for assignment.

Patriots RB Dion Lewis' recovery has him on track for season opener  —  FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots will continue to take a patient and conservative approach with running back Dion Lewis' recovery from a torn left ACL, but things are going well.

Clint Barmes Explains Why He Retired During the 8th Inning of Triple-A Game  —  It was in the town of Reno, Nevada where Clint Barmes made the decision it would be the last game he'd play.  In front of a crowd of over 5,700 at Greater Nevada Field, Barmes walked into the dugout during …

Change of T-shirt policy: ‘Try not to suck’ welcome at Busch Stadium  —  Pedro and Araceli Perez, with their 9-year-old son Victor, before the start of Monday's game in St. Louis.  —  Tribune Travels  —  Clad in matching T-shirts bearing a potentially offensive four-letter word — no …

Top 25 MLB prospects update: Nats' Giolito climbs to No. 1  —  It's draft season in my world, but it's also my traditional time to make a quick tangent back to the pro side to look at the top prospects still in the minors and rookie-eligible.  This list largely resembles my preseason list …

Jordan Zimmermann has Grade 1 groin strain, likely to miss next start  —  Ausmus will use some caution, but seems optimistic right-hander won't have to go on disabled list.  —  Jordan Zimmermann received an early birthday present this year: Good news.  —  MRI tests on Sunday afternoon showed …

Notes: What's behind Jeff Samardzija's turnaround in 2016?  —  How Jeff Samardzija got back on track in San Francisco.  Ichiro is apparently a comedic savant.  And much more in Ken Rosenthal's latest notes.  —  Jason O. Watson/Getty Images  —  White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper accepted responsibility …