MLB to keep monitoring netting issue after child is hit  —  Like all major league stadiums, Minute Maid Park has netting to protect fans near the field from foul balls.  —  HOUSTON — Major League Baseball said Thursday it will keep examining its policy on protective netting at stadiums …

Giants avoid sweep by Marlins, beat Miami 3-1  —  Fish take 2 out of 3  —  MIAMI - Brandon Crawford hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the eighth inning, and the San Francisco Giants broke a seven-game losing streak by rallying past the Miami Marlins 3-1 Thursday.

Texas Rangers fall to Royals to open 11-game homestand  —  The Texas Rangers have played well at home all season, and had every reason for optimism beginning an 11-game homestand on Thursday night.  —  They were facing a Kansas City Royals team that had lost three straight, and six of their last seven.

Diamondbacks blow late lead, lose to Rockies, fall below .500 for season  —  ENVER - Almost a year ago to the day, in a deathly quiet visitors' clubhouse in Oakland, Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta spoke of ripping the month of May off the calendar, lighting it on fire and tossing it in a dumpster.

Red Sox Roster Moves: Hector Velazquez To IL; Mike Shawaryn Recalled From Minors  —  The Boston Red Sox roster shuffle continued Thursday ahead of a pivotal four-game series in the Bronx.  —  The Sox placed right-handed pitcher Hector Velazquez on the 10-day injured list with back tightness, the team announced.

Edwin Diaz overworked and unavailable for Mets series finale against Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES — Edwin Diaz is recovering from what he called the “worst day of my career” by taking a day to rest during the Mets series finale against the Dodgers on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

Chicago White Sox beat Cleveland Indians 10-4 for season-high 4th straight win  —  Carlos Carrasco gave up six runs on 10 hits to fall to 4-6 on the season.  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Yonder Alonso and José Abreu each hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 10-4 …

Mock drafts expect the Cincinnati Reds to target pitching in the 2019 MLB Draft  —  With a few days remaining before the 2019 MLB Draft, which begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Reds scouting director Brad Meador and the organization's amateur scouting department are in meetings essentially all day to put …

Cody Bellinger Was Already Good.  Then He Changed His Swing.  —  PITTSBURGH — The fly-ball revolution began with desperate players hoping to extend their careers with dramatic changes to their swings.  Players like Justin Turner, nontendered by the New York Mets after the 2013 season …

Scott Boras brings Japan into latest attempt to circumvent MLB draft  —  About a month after Bobby Seay was chosen by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 1996 draft, the left-hander filed a grievance to become a free agent, citing an obscure rule that required teams to make written offers …

Even $1 million won't lure J.D. Martinez to Home Run Derby  —  NEW YORK — It was a nice try on behalf of Major League Baseball, but J.D. Martinez still isn't taking the bait.  —  The Red Sox slugger reaffirmed to WEEI.com Thursday at Yankee Stadium that despite MLB offering $1 million …

Moustakas goes deep twice, Brewers top Pirates 11-5  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Moustakas doesn't have a secret behind his power resurgence this season.  —  Moustakas homered twice among his four hits and drove in four runs, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 Thursday night.

Rays vs. Twins lineups for Thursday, with Rocco Baldelli back at the Trop  —  Longtime Rays player, exec and coach returns with majors-best Twins, and brings some other familiar faces.  —  The series between the surprising Twins, who have the majors best record at 37-17, and Rays …