Cincinnati Reds acquire catcher Curt Casili  —  A goose landed on the field during a rain delay at the Detroit Tigers game Wednesday night.  The ensuing chase ended with the goose flying into an LED board and falling two levels into the stands.  Luckily, a veterinarian was in the crowd.  (May 31) AP

Newcomb impressive, Braves beat Nats to move back into 1st place  —  The Braves enjoyed first place in the National League East for 27 days in a 28-day stretch before losing to the Mets on Wednesday and seeing the perennial division-leading Nationals move atop the standings.

Noah Syndergaard likely to miss 1-2 starts for Mets, Steven Matz to throw bullpen session Friday  —  Noah Syndergaard said Thursday his strained right index finger is feeling better but he will rest for a few more days before picking up a baseball and will probably miss one-to-two starts …

Phillies' Hoskins goes on DL with broken jaw  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a broken jaw that the team says likely will not need a surgical procedure.  —  Hoskins could be back in a matter of weeks instead of months, according to manager Gabe Kapler.

Marlins changing closers as Brad Ziegler's struggles continue  —  Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Thursday that Brad Ziegler is out as the team's closer.  Ziegler blew a save Wednesday in a loss to the San Diego Padres.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  More than a month before the Midsummer Classic, we're ready to pick sides.

Reyes goes right back on the disabled list with lat strain  —  The Cardinals won't have to figure out how to employ six starting pitchers for a while.  Alex Reyes, who would have been the sixth, went back on the disabled list Thursday.  —  Reyes, who exited the 60-day disabled list …

‘I have a slash now’: What the latest development in Adrian Beltre's career means for the Rangers' leader  —  SEATTLE - Adrian Beltre begins a new stage of his career.  He adds a slash.  —  Beltre returned to the Rangers roster Thursday, playing DH in his first start after missing two weeks …

Mets' David Wright seen throwing, playing catch for first time since 2017  —  NEW YORK - David Wright is making progress.  —  Well, sort of.  Maybe.  It's tough to tell sometimes.  But considering the Mets' captain hasn't thrown a baseball since September of 2017, the fact …

Braves release Aaron Blair to open 40-man spot  —  The Braves released right-handed pitcher Aaron Blair on Thursday to open a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Peter Bourjos.  They also optioned outfielder Dustin Peterson back to Triple-A.  —  Blair, 26, was out for the season following shoulder surgery in April.

More Cincinnati Reds changes likely in the offing  —  After three seasons in the minor league USL, FC Cincinnati will join MLS in 2019.  It will give the Queen City a representative in three of the five major American sports leagues.  A history of Cincinnati's major league teams.  The Enquirer/Mike Nyerges

Danny Farquhar's recovery motivates White Sox teammates  —  The postcard Danny Farquhar's family has sent to well-wishers.  (White Sox / Handout)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Danny Farquhar's “comeback” begins Friday, though throwing out a ceremonial first pitch isn't actually the start of his return to the White Sox.

Back-to-back homers by Gordon, Beltre fuel Dayton win  —  DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Miles Gordon and Michael Beltre connected on back-to-back homers in the first inning to help lead the Dayton Dragons to an 8-3 victory over West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday.  —  The home runs were both solo shots and gave the Dragons a 2-0 lead.

Dalbec's homer leads Salem to 10-8 win over Potomac  —  SALEM, Va. (AP) — Bobby Dalbec hit a three-run home run in the first inning, leading the Salem Red Sox to a 10-8 win over the Potomac Nationals in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday.  —  Yankory Pimentel got Edwin Lora to fly …

Brown, Hager spur Biloxi to 9-1 win over Mississippi  —  BILOXI, Miss. (AP) — Jake Hager hit two home runs, and Zack Brown struck out 10 hitters over seven innings as the Biloxi Shuckers defeated the Mississippi Braves 9-1 on Thursday.  —  Brown (4-0) picked up the win after he allowed four hits.

Rays journal: Seattle trip means quick reunion with Alex Colome and Denard Span  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Last Friday afternoon, RHP Alex Colome and OF Denard Span were sitting in the Trop clubhouse waiting to take the field again for the Rays.  —  This Friday, they'll be on the other side …

Watkins, Adduci lift Toledo over Syracuse 5-3  —  SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Jim Adduci homered and had three hits, driving in two, and Spenser Watkins pitched five scoreless innings as the Toledo Mud Hens topped the Syracuse Chiefs 5-3 on Thursday.  —  Watkins (1-1) allowed one hit while striking out two and walking three to get the win.

Yankees' rotation beyond Luis Severino remains team's biggest problem  —  Luis Severino keeps pitching like a bonafide ace.  —  It's everyone else in the Yankees' rotation that's a concern.  —  After Severino's latest gem versus Houston on Wednesday, in his two starts against the Astros this season …

Joe Maddon thinks relating socially with players is a positive thing  —  Cubs' Joe Maddon on meeting with Joe Torre, batting Jason Heyward second.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Do you have a problem or just want to talk?  Cubs manager Joe Maddon would like to have dinner and drinks with you.