Dodgers' bats come up big vs. Mets, and so does defense  —  LOS ANGELES - The 275-foot save went to Cody Bellinger who, with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, unleashed a majestic throw from deep right field to third base to nail Carlos Gomez for a rally-killing double play.

VOTE NOW!  There's a new way to pick All-Stars  —  Baseball's version of the primary season is now upon us, and the sport's answer to Election Day is not far behind.  And in incorporating shades of the political process, the 2019 Google MLB All-Star Ballot brings major change to the selection system for All-Star Game starters.

Breaking down the slow starts by big-bang additions Goldschmidt, Machado, and Harper  —  PHILADELPHIA — Along with the usual boatload of trophies and All-Star nods and OPS and Wins Above Replacement, one of the appealing benefits of adding Paul Goldschmidt to the lineup for the Cardinals was his rock-em …

Brett Gardner playing an unexpected starring role for these Yankees  —  This was not the role Brett Gardner signed up for.  Last fall, when the Yankees bought out his previous contract, the outfielder agreed to a different deal and a different role.  He was brought back to be a part-time player …

Daniel Vogelbach's massive homer highlights Mariners' 6-2 victory over Rangers  —  Eight days ago, the Seattle Mariners left T-Mobile Park victorious - an occurrence that hadn't happened much in the weeks prior.  The hope was that it might kick-start a trend of better play on a road trip against divisional foes.

Dustin Pedroia should feel no shame about collecting millions from Red Sox during futile rehab  —  Dustin Pedroia does not sound confident about his chances of returning to the Red Sox.  But assuming he would still like to wear the red stirrups, he should attempt to rehab for as long as he wants …

Odubel Herrera arrested in domestic violence incident  —  Phillies centerfielder Odubel Herrera was arrested Monday night after a report of a domestic violence incident.  The alleged incident involved his 20-year-old girlfriend and took place at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, according to a police report.

Astros' Altuve, Correa both undergoing evaluation  —  The Houston Astros' All-Star double-play combination was being evaluated by team doctors on Tuesday.  —  Second baseman Jose Altuve, who had been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock because of a hamstring injury this week …

Braves near important draft under new leadership  —  The Braves are armed with two first-round picks in next week's MLB draft, including a top-10 selection, a rarity for a postseason team.  —  As compensation for failure to sign last year's first-rounder (No. 8 overall), pitcher Carter Stewart …

Kyle Muller impressing, could he factor into Braves' 2019 plans?  —  Braves prospect Kyle Muller is finding his stride at Double-A, and he's garnering attention inside and outside the organization.  —  The towering Texas lefty, after an erratic start to the season, has reduced his walks and is overpowering hitters.

Joey Votto out of Cincinnati Reds lineup with a tight hamstring  —  Joey Votto was out of the Reds lineup Tuesday with a tight right hamstring.  —  Votto injured it going from first to third in the ninth inning of Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader.  He doesn't think it's a major deal.