Shildt remains confident in starting rotation as Martinez rehabs  —  Cardinals manager Mike Shildt remained non-committal on the role that Carlos Martinez will eventually fill even as the team has endured a recent string of short outings by its starting pitchers.

Yu Darvish faces Diamondbacks starter Zack Greinke on another windy day at Wrigley Field  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Yu Darvish faces Zack Greinke Saturday on another windy afternoon at Wrigley Field in a matchup of two of the game's most highly paid pitchers.  —  “Those are two exciting names,” Diamondbacks manager Tory Lovullo said.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom tests his elbow and reports ‘everything felt good’ ... might not need an MRI  —  Talk about a curve ball.  —  One day after the Mets announced reigning NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom would be undergoing an MRI early next week for a “barking” elbow, deGrom was back on the field and testing his right arm.

Detroit Tigers game vs. White Sox postponed because of inclement weather  —  The Detroit Tigers' home game against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday has been postponed because of inclement weather.  —  The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader beginning at 1:10 p.m. on Aug. 6, the Tigers announced.

As Marlins attempt to fix their hitting woes, a look at the roots of their struggles  —  It's no secret that the Miami Marlins have been one of the worst offensive teams in Major League Baseball to start the season.  —  Through 20 games, the Marlins (5-15) have scored just 51 runs (last in MLB) …

Baseball notebook: White Sox's Anderson suspended for language  —  Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson didn't go into detail Friday about what he said during a bench-clearing fracas with Kansas City on Wednesday after a report that he directed a racial slur at Royals pitcher Brad Keller.

Stro Show shines in Blue Jays' win against A's  —  OAKLAND — The Stro Show stole the show Friday night with one of those masterful performances befitting of a staff ace.  —  And at long last, Marcus Stroman got some much-needed run support.  —  From the time he took to the mound …

Indians activate All-Star SS Francisco Lindor from injured list  —  It's not clear if Lindor will be limited in the early stages of his return.  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is back after missing the season's first 18 games.

Mike Trout's homer is overshadowed by Angels' Cody Allen in loss to Mariners  —  The pitch floated right into Mike Trout's wheelhouse, an 80-mph changeup that barely grazed the bottom of the zone.  Trout unleashed a mighty swing on the ball and sent it soaring 428 feet to center field.

'Please, Danny, don't die on my watch': An oral history of a near-death in the dugout  —  It was “just another day in White Sox baseball.”  Until it wasn't.  —  When Danny Farquhar arrived at Chicago's Guaranteed Rate Field on April 20, 2018, he was a journeyman middle reliever who'd pitched for four teams in seven years.

FANTASY FARE: Struggling rotation aces starting to come around  —  This particular column is all about pitching.  Bad pitching.  Lots of it, and from good pitchers.  If you're befuddled by how poorly your ace is pitching so far, join the club.  We've talked about Chris Sale's ugly …

Diamondbacks land versatile Blake Swihart in trade with Red Sox, won't use him at catcher right away  —  CHICAGO - In acquiring Blake Swihart from the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon, the Diamondbacks added a catcher whom they don't plan on using behind the plate - at least not right away, according to General Manager Mike Hazen.

Verlander, Astros win 7-2 at Rangers after 2 quick homers  —  Alex Bregman homered on consecutive pitches in the first inning,  —  Justin Verlander pitched seven solid innings and the  —  Texas Rangers 7-2 on Friday night.  —  George Springer doubled twice for the Astros …

Off-season talk with an ex coach who died two weeks later fueled this lefty's turnaround  —  Every player who comes to the major leagues for the first time has a story to tell, and left-hander Brett Martin is no different.  —  Recalled for the first time Friday from Triple A Nashville …

Lyles, Marte, González injured in Pirates' win over Giants  —  Jordan Lyles cruised through six innings before taking a line drive off his pitching hand, Starling Marte and Erik González were also pulled following a collision in the field, and the short-handed Pittsburgh Pirates beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1