Mets GM Sandy Alderson: ‘No present plans to make any changes’  —  SAN FRANCISCO — As general manager Sandy Alderson stood in the visitors' dugout at AT&T Park during batting practice Thursday afternoon, a New York Mets fan in the crowd shouted at him, “Bud Black!  Bud Black, Sandy!  Bud Black!”

Rays Designate Oswaldo Arcia For Assignment  —  The Rays have designated outfielder Oswaldo Arcia for assignment, per Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times (links to Twitter).  Arcia's DFA stems from the fact that the Rays simply didn't feel they had room for the out-of-options slugger …

MLB Clears Howard, Zimmerman of Drug Allegations  —  NEW YORK — Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and Washington's Ryan Zimmerman have been cleared by Major League Baseball of allegations they used human growth hormone.  —  Pharmacist Charlie Sly claimed in an Al-Jazeera America documentary …

Rockies To Promote Jeff Hoffman  —  The Rockies are set to promote top prospect Jeff Hoffman to make his Major League debut against the Cubs, as Jason Lewis of CBS Albany first reported (on Twitter).  MLB.com's Thomas Harding tweets that an official announcement should be expected later this afternoon.

Jurickson Profar becomes fixture in Texas Rangers lineup  —  Every non-roster invitee and up-and-coming prospect each spring almost always says that his goal is to make the big-league club's Opening Day roster even in the smallest role on the team.  —  When a player is promoted from the minor leagues …

Dave Righetti on Pitching  —  Dave Righetti was a good pitcher.  In a 16-year career spent mostly with the New York Yankees, he threw a no-hitter and saved over 250 games.  He might be an even better pitching coach.  “Rags” has held that position with the San Francisco Giants since 2000 …

Next Slide  —  Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price has never been a fan of things like left-handed specialists.  He'd rather have a staff full of pitchers who can handle multiple types of deployment.  —  That's what the Reds are trying to do with their bullpen down the stretch of the 2016 season.

Nationals Acquire Sean Burnett From Twins  —  12:15pm: The Nationals' Triple-A affiliate announced the acquisition of Burnett from Minnesota in exchange for cash considerations.  —  11:51am: The Nationals have agreed to a deal to acquire left-hander Sean Burnett from the Twins, reports SB Nation's Chris Cotillo (Twitter link).

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.

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.