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 …

Jason Vargas hurls best start of the year, but Mets bats are silenced by Hyun-Jin Ryu  —  LOS ANGELES — Jason Vargas and Hyun-Jin Ryu provided a pitching duel in the Mets-Dodgers finale that fans expected out of Jacob deGrom and Clayton Kershaw in the series opener.

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' Nick Ahmed proving he's more than just a Gold Glove shortstop  —  DENVER - After watching Nick Ahmed establish a career-high in home runs last year, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo believes he is seeing his Gold Glove shortstop continue to evolve at the plate.

Hudson rewards Shildt's trust as Cardinals beat Phillies, 5-3  —  Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks greets catcher Matt Wieters after securing the final out in a 5-3 victory at Philadelphia on Thursday.  (AP Photo)  —  Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks greets catcher Matt Wieters after defeating …

MLB Weekend Watch: What we're excited to see — and why  —  It's a big weekend with Yankees-Red Sox, Cubs-Cardinals, Dodgers-Phillies and Astros-A's.  And what series has the highest combined win total?  Twins-Rays at the Trop, of course.  —  Here's what we're most excited to see:

Five things to know about the Braves on Friday  —  Five quick things to know about the Braves on Friday:  — Riley remains hot: Austin Riley's grand slam Wednesday was his seventh home run in 14 games with the Braves.  Riley is now batting .375 with 20 RBI and the seven home runs.

Braves broadcasters will move into stands for Friday's game  —  The Fox Sports South broadcast team will change positions Friday night, calling the Braves' game against the Detroit Tigers from the right-field stands rather than the press box.  —  Chip Caray, Jeff Francoeur and Tom Glavine …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Angels roll to rare easy victory after scoring in first 5 innings  —  SEATTLE — The Angels desperately needed a game like this.  —  The Angels started scoring early and often and cruised to a 9-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night, the first time since May 11 that they'd won …

Top Cincinnati Reds games: No. 41 - ‘Bumpus’ Jones is first to throw a no-hitter in debut  —  Mel Queen's debut as a Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher in 1967 was impressive.  —  Charles “Bumpus” Jones' first start 75 years earlier wasn't just impressive.  It was record-setting.

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 …

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.