Jameson Taillon shuts down Blue Jays, Aaron Hicks delivers key hit as Yankees run win streak to 9  —  TORONTO — The Yankees can crush a team, like they did Friday night.  They can scrape out wins, like they did in the three-game sweep of the Rays earlier this week.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado leaves loss with left ankle sprain in first inning  —  MLB, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres  —  DENVER — San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado left Sunday's 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies after injuring his left ankle while taking …

Transactions … Minnesota Twins traded 2B Daniel Robertson to Philadelphia Phillies for cash.  —  Philadelphia Phillies optioned LHP Bailey Falter to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  —  Philadelphia Phillies traded RHP James Norwood to Boston Red Sox for cash.  —  Philadelphia Phillies sent …

Nets, Kyrie Irving at an impasse; latest on Miles Bridges; NBA Draft notes  —  With the NBA Draft three days away and free agency around the corner, trade conversations, signings and pursuits for all 30 teams have begun in earnest.  Across the league, major free agents — and potential free agents …

Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez day-to-day due to hand injury  —  Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was not in his team's lineup for Sunday night's series finale against the Chicago White Sox because of a hand injury and is considered day-to-day, manager Dusty Baker said.

The makings of an ace: How Marlins' Sandy Alcantara is becoming one of MLB's top pitchers  —  As Sandy Alcantara walks off the mound after a start this season, his mind is already moving forward.  —  The real work is about to begin.  —  While the results are what everyone sees …

Jerar Encarnacion's first MLB hit: A go-ahead grand slam in Marlins' win over Mets  —  The count was full and the situation was key for the 24-year-old outfielder making his MLB debut on Sunday.  Jerar Encarnacion had the bases loaded in the seventh inning and the Miami Marlins trailing the New York Mets by a run.

Nightengale's Notebook: Juneteenth brings renewed call to put trailblazer Curt Flood in Cooperstown  —  Widow of former Cardinals star, actress Judy Pace Flood, says Civil Rights movement gave him strength to push forward in landmark free agency case.  —  Judy Pace-Flood, 80 …

From Tommy John to Cy Young form at 39?  Inside Justin Verlander's unprecedented return to dominance  —  LAST SEPTEMBER, WITH the one-year anniversary of his Tommy John surgery approaching, Justin Verlander wanted to pitch.  Even though his rehabilitation wasn't complete …

ESPN seeks to dismiss Sage Steele's free speech lawsuit  —  ESPN filed a motion Thursday to dismiss the lawsuit of prominent on-air personality and “SportsCenter” host Sage Steele, who is accusing the sports network of violating her free speech rights.  —  Steele alleged in a lawsuit filed …