Orioles Hit 6 HRs in 13-5 Rout of Slumping Astros  —  BALTIMORE — J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis each hit two of Baltimore's six home runs, Hyun Soo Kim had a career-high four hits and the Orioles beat rookie Joe Musgrove and the skidding Houston Astros 13-5 on Thursday night.

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.

Cabrera,' Lucky Charm' Power Reds to 5-4 Win Over Marlins  —  CINCINNATI — Pat Hoberg is Ramon Cabrera's lucky charm.  —  Hoberg was umpiring behind the plate last season when the Reds catcher hit his first career home run.  Hoberg made it 2 for 2 on Thursday night.

Gordon Hits Grand Slam as Royals Top Twins 8-1  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Gordon hit a grand slam, Dillon Gee pitched seven strong innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 8-1 on Thursday night.  —  The Royals have won five straight and eight of nine to move above .500 for the first time since July 22.

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.

Brady slices right thumb with scissors prior to Thursday's preseason game  —  FOXBORO - Tom Brady sliced his right thumb with a pair of scissors prior to Thursday night's preseason game against the Bears and was sent home.  —  Brady was expected to start against the Bears after not playing …

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 …

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 …