3 things we learned from latest Cubs-Pirates series  —  Joe Maddon and pitchers Cole Hamels, Brandon Kintzler on Cubs' 9-2 win.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Here are three things we learned from the Cubs-Pirates series — in which the teams split their two-game series:

Smirk, shouts as Gray, Yanks flop in 7-5 loss to lowly O's  —  NEW YORK — Booed as he walked off the Yankee Stadium mound in the third inning, Sonny Gray smiled.  —  A few moments later, third base coach Phil Nevin screamed at players in the New York dugout.

Cardinals debut ‘real positive’ for reliever Shreve  —  Relief pitcher Chasen Shreve took a big jump in seniority with his move from the Yankees to the Cardinals.  Even though he just turned 28, he has pitched more games out of the bullpen (196) than anyone else on the active roster right now.

Texas Rangers resume Papa John's pizza promotion  —  In the wake of many professional sports teams cutting ties with Papa John's Pizza due to racist remarks by the company's founder, the Texas Rangers have become the first to re-establish their relationship.

Giants' Johnny Cueto to undergo Tommy John surgery Thursday  —  PHOENIX - The Giants on Wednesday announced the inevitable, that starting pitcher Johnny Cueto will undergo Tommy John elbow-reconstruction surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday.  —  Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers' orthopedist …

Brewers hope to keep momentum riding vs. Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES — The situation started to look bleak on the first day of the second half for the Milwaukee Brewers.  Less than two weeks later, the momentum has changed.  —  The Brewers will head into their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers …

Gordon homers as Royals beat White Sox 10-5  —  Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer and drove in four, helping the  —  Chicago White Sox 10-5 on Wednesday night.  —  Gordon also walked and scored during Kansas City's five-run fifth.  Brett Phillips added two hits and Ryan O'Hearn singled …

Adames, Bauers homer for Rays in 7-2 win over Angels  —  Willy Adames homered and drove in two runs on the day Tampa Bay gave him the regular shortstop job, leading the Rays to a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles  —  Angels on Wednesday night.  —  Adames drove in a run with a two-out single off Angels starter

Gonzalez, Astros win 8-3, drop Mariners into wild-card tie  —  Marwin Gonzalez hit two of Houston's four home runs, and the  —  Seattle Mariners from the lead for the second wild card in the American League with an 8-3 win on Wednesday.  —  After a five-game losing streak …

Pirates' Chris Archer ready to make a splash after trade  —  PITTSBURGH — Chris Archer kept hearing from friends and former teammates that the Pittsburgh Pirates were different.  The proof came in the waves of people who approached the veteran pitcher as he walked the concourse …

Pirates' Nick Kingham: Yanked after one inning in loss … Kingham (5-6) took the loss Wednesday as the Pirates fell 9-2 to the Cubs, giving up four runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk over only one inning while striking out one.  —  The Cubs batted around in the first inning …

Athletics Designate Carlos Ramirez For Assignment  —  The A's announced Wednesday that they've designated right-hander Carlos Ramirez for assignment.  His spot will go to outfielder Boog Powell, who has been activated from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Nashville.

NY Mets barely put up fight against ex-Met Tommy Milone in loss to Nationals  —  Noah Syndergaard on his return from the disabled list Matt Ehalt, Staff Writer, @MattEhalt  —  WASHINGTON — As if losing 25-4 Tuesday wasn't embarrassing enough, the Mets made Tommy Milone - yes, that Tommy Milone - look like a quality pitcher Wednesday.