Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner OK with A-Rod playing elsewhere  —  HOUSTON - The New York Yankees plans to retain Alex Rodriguez as a special assistant and instructor as long as he desires, even if he plays again in 2017 for another club, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said Wednesday at the quarterly owners' meetings.

Red Sox beat Orioles 8-1 in rain-shortened 6-inning game … BALTIMORE — Although the Boston Red Sox are the highest-scoring team in the majors, they've relied heavily on their pitching to put together a momentum-changing winning streak.  —  David Price allowed four hits before a rainstorm stopped play …

Tomas, Weeks Lead D-Backs Over Mets  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSAUG. 18, 2016, 12:48 A.M. E.D.T.  —  PHOENIX — Yasmany Tomas and Rickie Weeks Jr. both homered twice and drove in a combined 11 runs, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 13-5 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday night.

Cardinals Out On Carlos Gomez; Marlins Still Interested  —  2:50pm: The Marlins are still interested in adding Gomez, reports Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).  It's not entirely clear whether the Fish are willing to swing a trade for Gomez or are hoping to pounce if he is ultimately released.

After steady rebuild, Astros on verge of taking a step back  —  HOUSTON — No offense to any of his peers, but the next time Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow sees another player receive a no-trade clause, pardon him if he excuses himself.  —  It's these no-trade provisions …

Soler, Lester Lead Cubs to 6-1 Win Over Brewers  —  CHICAGO — Jorge Soler hit a three-run homer during a five-run first inning, Jon Lester pitched into the seventh and the Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-1 on Wednesday night for their 17th win in 20 games.

Joe Maddon: Tommy La Stella to report to Double-A Tennessee  —  Tommy La Stella races to third after hitting a triple against the Nationals on May 6, 2016.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Tommy La Stella will return to the Chicago Cubs' organization.  —  Manager Joe Maddon said La Stella, 27 …

Gonzalez Homers Twice to Lift Dodgers Over Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA — Adrian Gonzalez is crushing baseballs again and the Los Angeles Dodgers are riding their veteran slugger up the standings.  —  Gonzalez hit two home runs and had five RBIs to help the Dodgers extend their lead in the NL West …

Eaton's Grand Slam in 9th Lifts White Sox Past Indians, 10-7  —  CLEVELAND — Adam Eaton's ninth-inning grand slam off closer Cody Allen capped a five-run rally and lifted the Chicago White Sox to a 10-7 win over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night.  —  Cleveland was two outs from increasing …

Rangers Win 6-2 as Darvish Ends Long Losing Streak vs. A's  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSAUG. 18, 2016, 12:15 A.M. E.D.T.  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Yu Darvish had a demonstrative show of emotion, pumping his fist and letting out a shout after ending the seventh inning with another strikeout and two runners on base.

Tigers Designate Bobby Parnell For Assignment  —  The Tigers announced that they have designated right-hander Bobby Parnell for assignment and selected the contract of veteran outfielder Alex Presley from Triple-A Toledo.  Parnell's DFA creates a spot on the 40-man roster for Presley …

Baltimore Closer Zach Britton Isn't Just a Surprise Cy Young Contender—He's the AL MVP  —  Last week, my colleague Michael Baumann had the audacity to suggest that Orioles closer Zach Britton could be a defensible selection as the American League's Cy Young Award winner.