Dodgers hit 3 homers for 51 in June, beat Cubs 7-5  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — After an anemic first couple months of the season, the Dodgers are powering balls out of the stadium at a near record rate.  —  Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger each hit a solo home run, Joc Pederson added a two-run shot …

Next Slide  —  Go through the gallery to see The Detroit News' midseason grades for the Detroit Tigers, compiled by Chris McCosky.  Click here if you have trouble viewing the gallery.  —  Detroit — This is an odd thing to say riding a seven-game losing streak into Game 81 …

Why the Red Sox — not the Yankees — will win the AL East  —  Is it accurate to describe the American League East as an epic playoff race?  I believe so.  The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are both on pace to win more than 105 games and the last time two teams in the same division won 100 games …

Orioles may have hard time getting big return for their relievers  —  BALTIMORE — If it seemed too good to be true, that's because it was.  —  In the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday, the Baltimore Orioles overcame a one-run deficit against a Seattle Mariners team that has spent …

Bregman's 2-run shot gives Houston 7-6 win over Blue Jays  —  HOUSTON — It isn't very often that Alex Bregman whiffs on two straight fastballs, so when he did so in the ninth inning on Wednesday it left Houston's third baseman a bit upset.  —  Fortunately for the Astros …

Mets' bullpen crumbles, blows it for Zack Wheeler in loss to Pirates  —  Abbey Mastracco, Staff Writer, @AbbeyMastracco  —  NEW YORK — If the Mets really are sellers at the trade deadline, as assistant general manager John Ricco said they may be before Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates …

White Sox seek first four-game win streak of season vs. Twins  —  The Chicago White Sox have a chance to complete their first three-game sweep of the season when they face the Minnesota Twins in the series finale Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.  —  Chicago (28-51) …

Wong expects to bounce back after being hit by pitch twice  —  Kolten Wong was a little sore and a little ticked off after being hit twice by Cleveland starter Shane Bieber Wednesday night in the Indians' 5-1 victory at Busch Stadium.  —  “Basically in the same spot, on the right hamstring …

Carl Edwards Jr. could be back with Cubs real soon  —  Cubs' Yu Darvish on when he might come off the disabled list: 'It's still day-by-day.' (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs' rotation remains in flux, but Carl Edwards Jr. could rejoin the bullpen next week.

Encarnacion, Chisenhall HR; Bieber sharp as Tribe top Cards  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — After a rough debut, Cleveland Indians rookie Shane Bieber has found his routine.  —  Edwin Encarnacion and Lonnie Chisenhall hit back-to-back homers, Bieber pitched six strong innings and the Indians beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Angels reliever Jake Jewell leaves game on stretcher after play at plate  —  Los Angeles Angels reliever Jake Jewell had to be taken off the Fenway Park field on a stretcher after a play at home plate in the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox.

MLB players survey: Sounding off on umps, shifts, steroids - and whether to strike back  —  After decades of labor peace and undeniable prosperity, Major League Baseball players have experienced a tumultuous few years.  —  An aggressive commissioner has threatened to unilaterally alter the way the game is played.

Diamondbacks' Torey Lovullo a big fan of Deven Marrero's defensive ability  —  MIAMI - It's safe to say that Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has a soft spot in his heart for backup utility infielder Deven Marrero.  —  Like Marrero, Lovullo was a career backup infielder …