Cubs' Hendricks looks to pull plug on Dodgers' power  —  LOS ANGELES — At 48 home runs this month and counting, the Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in fast on a franchise record that, while impressive, has not been around all that long.  —  In June of last season, buoyed by the arrival …

Tigers fire pitching coach Bosio without manager Gardenhire's input  —  The Tigers made their strongest statement of the season on Wednesday afternoon, more than three hours before attempting to end a seven-game losing streak against the Athletics at Comerica Park.

Manny Machado sweepstakes are underway - and Dodgers are favorites to acquire him  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing it coy, acting as if they can't take on money, won't give up prized prospects, and aren't hellbent on returning to the World Series again.  —  Don't be fooled.

Blue Jays manager Gibbons reaches milestone  —  HOUSTON — John Gibbons reached a significant milestone in Toronto's 7-6 loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday.  The Blue Jays skipper has now managed 1,500 MLB games, with a record of 757-743.  That's 87th overall on the MLB list.

Mets ownership challenges John Ricco in Sandy Alderson's absence  —  NEW YORK — One day after Mets' general manager Sandy Alderson announced his leave of absence to undergo cancer treatments and then essentially stepped down from his post, assistant general manager John Ricco was able to shed …

Manny Machado apologizes for not hustling to first base: ‘It looks bad’  —  Orioles slugger Manny Machado apologized Wednesday for not running out a double-play ball a night earlier in a loss to the Seattle Mariners.  —  The game in Baltimore was tied 1-1 in the sixth inning when the Orioles loaded the bases on three straight singles.

The best pitching performance ever for all 30 teams  —  On May 4, Gerrit Cole pitched one of the best games you will ever see.  He fired a 16-strikeout shutout against the Diamondbacks, allowing just one hit and one walk.  As a remarkable side note, Cole didn't strike any batters …

Red Sox Sign Second Baseman Brandon Phillips  —  BOSTON (CBS) — With Dustin Pedroia's status still somewhat in question, the Boston Red Sox have added a veteran infielder to the organization.  —  The team on Wednesday signed Brandon Phillips to a minor league deal.

What happens as baseball players age?  —  23.  —  There are two outs, the bases are empty and the batter is 23.  —  He is, as he steps into the batter's box, the most exciting player in baseball.  As a rookie, he has hit a ball 513 feet in batting practice, thrown a pitch 102.5 mph …

Every general manager's No. 1 priority for the second half  —  No MLB team can afford to take a year off.  Whether they are contenders, a year or two away, or heading downhill in need of a rebuild, all teams must work to further their goals.  With inaction not being a reasonable option …

Zack Cozart To Undergo Shoulder Surgery  —  The Angels announced tonight that infielder Zack Cozart has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder that will require surgical repair.  The Angels didn't provide a timetable for his return, though it seems unlikely that he'll be able to recover in time to return in 2018.

Carpenter homers twice, Cards chase Kluber to thump Indians  —  Matt Carpenter homered twice, matched a career best with five hits and helped chase  —  Corey Kluber in the shortest start of the right-hander's career in the  —  St. Louis Cardinals' 11-2 victory over the  —  Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Aaron Judge, Greg Bird not in Yankees starting lineup as manager Aaron Boone gives them rest ahead of big series against Red Sox  —  PHILADELPHIA - Aaron Judge and Greg Bird got the day off in Wednesday's series finale against the Phillies.  —  Aaron Boone elected for both to get an off …

Aaron Judge makes 10-year-old Yankee fan's night by having a catch with him in outfield  —  PHILADELPHIA — It was a game of catch that went viral.  —  Four throws with Yankees' superstar Aaron Judge that 10-year-old James Payne will remember for the rest of his life.

Detroit Tigers prospects mailbag: Will Beau Burrows move up soon to Triple-A?  —  Welcome to the weekly Free Press Detroit Tigers prospects mailbag, which is now open to any of your questions.  Submit questions on Twitter @GeorgeSipple or by e-mail at gsipple@freepress.com.

Jayson Werth To Retire  —  Veteran outfielder Jayson Werth tells Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports that he will retire.  He had been with the Mariners organization on a minor-league deal.  —  Though Werth declined to describe the situation in precisely those terms, he told Heyman: “I'm done ... whatever you want to call it.”

Frank Thomas, Jack McDowell, Bo Jackson and Tim Raines headline 1993 White Sox reunion  —  Former White Sox players Frank Thomas, from left, Bo Jackson and Tim Raines will be among a group that will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1993 division champions.  (James C. Svehla / For the Chicago Tribune)

James Shields takes mound Wednesday hoping to avoid MLB-worst 10th loss  —  White Sox manager Rick Renteria talks about 36-year-old pitcher James Shields making himself ‘relevant.’ (Phil Thompson/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  James Shields (2-9, 4.59) takes on fellow right-hander Kyle Gibson …

Pirates Put Rodriguez On DL, Recall RHP Anderson  —  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Pirates put embattled utility man Sean Rodriguez on the 10-day disabled list with a right quadriceps strain on Wednesday.  —  The assignment is retroactive to June 25, so Rodriguez could return July 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cubs' Jon Lester knows Dodgers lurk in postseason  —  Cubs starter Jon Lester discusses his start against the Dodgers on Tuesday, June 27, 2018.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Jon Lester wanted to pitch longer than five innings Tuesday night …