Mr. Comeback: Brantley leads Indians to 3-2 win over Royals  —  Michael Brantley has perfected the comeback season.  Now he has to master completing one.  —  Brantley singled home two runs on the first pitch of his first at-bat this season, and  —  Carlos Carrasco worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning, leading the

Detroit Tigers' top prospect Alex Faedo makes pro debut  —  Alex Faedo has made his much-awaited professional debut.  —  The Tigers' right-handed pitching prospect, selected with the No. 18 pick in last year's MLB Draft, began his season on Friday evening with Class A Lakeland.

Next Slide  —  Atlanta's loss turned out to be Milwaukee's half-century gain, and maybe a nightclub incident had something to do with it.  Or was it a nightclub act?  —  It's been 50 years since the moment that essentially marked the end of Bob Uecker's playing career …

Corey Knebel placed on DL; Brewers recall Adrian Houser  —  The Milwaukee Brewers have placed closer Corey Knebel on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring and recalled Adrian Houser from Class AA Biloxi to take his place on the 25-man roster.

Aaron Boone is already more impressed with Gary Sanchez's defense than Joe Girardi ever was  —  Aaron Boone knows a few opponents eventually are going to pay for Gary Sanchez's opening-week offensive slump, but the first-year manager also firmly believes the work his All-Star catcher continues …

Column: Scrappy Brewers love getting under the Cubs' skin  —  Chicago Tribune  —  When I heard the Brewers had a pre-sale of tickets to Cubs games at Miller Park for fans that could prove they lived in Wisconsin, I thought it was a joke.  —  Why would any team try to hurt its own box office just for a cheap publicity stunt?

Mariners' James Paxton unfazed by eagle encounter, but other players were terrified  —  Seattle Mariners left-handed pitcher James Paxton and opposing Twins players had different instincts when a bald eagle landed on Paxton on Thursday in Minneapolis, instead of soaring to the mound to reach its handlers.

Knizner, Adolis Garcia and Schrock all sock homers as Cardinals' farm teams open  —  Max Schrock had two days.  —  Both took the swings they flashed during spring training into their openers Thursday as Cardinals' affiliates and minor-league baseball began their seasons around the country.

Rangers trade minor league catcher to Padres  —  ARLINGTON  —  Triple A catcher Brett Nicholas was traded to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations on Friday morning.  —  Nicholas was assigned to the Padres' Triple A affiliate in El Paso.

Blue Jays face kindler, gentler Rangers fans  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — There definitely was something missing in the air on Friday night at Globe Life Park when the Blue Jays jogged on the field to take on the Texas Rangers.  —  There was actual electricity, as the local weather office called for thunderstorms.

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at St. Louis Cardinals … In the second inning on Opening Day, Jarrod Dyson hit a routine chopper to second.  The Rockies' D.J. LeMahieu gloved it, wasted no time unloading it and narrowly beat Dyson to first.  In the scouts' section behind home plate …

Ray, D-backs spoil Cardinals' home opener with 2-hitter  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Robbie Ray worked around five walks over six innings and the bullpen closed out a two-hitter, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks spoil the St. Louis Cardinals' home opener 3-1 on Thursday night.

Hernandez carries Jupiter to 3-2 win over Palm Beach  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Elieser Hernandez tossed a one-hit complete game, leading the Jupiter Hammerheads to a 3-2 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals on Friday.  —  Hernandez allowed two runs.  —  Jupiter took the lead …

Next Slide  —  Are you subscribed to our “Talkin' Tigers” podcast?  If not, you should be: Subscribe via iTunes or Google Play now.  —  It's time for the second episode of the 2018 season of the Talkin' Tigers podcast.  —  Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the four things …

The confidence that drives Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta  —  Jake Arrieta always had “it,” he said.  It is what helped him five years ago to not walk away from baseball.  Matt Klentak first saw “it” a decade ago and it is what made the Phillies general manager believe separated Arrieta from the rest.