Baseball roundup: Newcomb dazzles as Braves beat Nats  —  Sean Newcomb pitched seven strong innings for his sixth straight win, leading the Atlanta Braves back into first place with a 4-2 victory over the visiting Washington Nationals on Thursday night.  —  In the start of a four-game series between …

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.

Correa's 2-run shot helps Astros over Red Sox 4-2  —  HOUSTON (AP) - Carlos Correa snapped an 0 for 10 slump with a two-run homer in the first and Tony Kemp and Jake Marisnick had an RBI each to help the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night.

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 …

Cruz homer sparks Mariners to 6-1 win over Rangers  —  SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have been waiting for Nelson Cruz to get going.  They have been waiting for Dee Gordon to return from the disabled list.  And they had been waiting for a victory after two losses at home.

Cardinals notebook: Martinez goes four innings for Springfield  —  Carlos Martinez, who last pitched for the Cardinals on May 8 when he sustained a strained right lat, took what is presumed to be his last step toward rejoining the club when he worked four innings at Class AA Springfield Thursday night …

Lindor's pair of homers leads Indians past Twins 9-8  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins were surging into the eighth inning after erasing Cleveland's eight-run lead, chasing what would have been a club-record comeback.  —  Ah, but Francisco Lindor still had another at-bat, and that's all the Indians needed to regain control.

Detroit Tigers feeling goosed after series win over L.A. Angels  —  As the top of the ninth inning wound down on Thursday with the Tigers leading comfortably and closer Shane Greene needing only one more out for the team's best series win of the season, Mike Fiers began the party.

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.

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.

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

Nelson, Sosebee and Wivinis shut out Lakeland, Tampa wins 3-0  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nick Nelson, David Sosebee and Matt Wivinis combined for a shutout as the Tampa Tarpons beat the Lakeland Flying Tigers 3-0 in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday.

Podcast: Scare for Acuna  —  In the latest episode of the Rotoworld Baseball Podcast, D.J. Short and Drew Silva go over some prominent injuries around the game, including Ronald Acuna's knee, Noah Syndergaard's finger, and Alex Reyes' lat.  They also discuss the Mariners' recent trade …

Bethencourt, Amaya lift South Bend over Great Lakes 11-5  —  MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) — Jhonny Bethencourt tripled and singled, scoring three runs while driving in two as the South Bend Cubs defeated the Great Lakes Loons 11-5 on Thursday.  —  Miguel Amaya homered and doubled with five RBIs for South Bend.

Adrian Beltre activated off 10-day DL for Rangers  —  SEATTLE (AP) — The Texas Rangers activated third baseman Adrian Beltre off the 10-day disabled list before Thursday's series finale against Seattle.  —  Ryan Rua was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to clear a roster spot.

Clayton Kershaw To Undergo MRI On Back  —  Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw threw five useful innings today in his return from the DL, but the outing did not end quite as hoped.  He's headed for an MRI after experiencing back tightness during the outing, skipper Dave Roberts tells reporters …