Max Scherzer strikes out 11 in big return from injured list, but Mets lose to Reds  —  CINCINNATI - Max Scherzer's first pitch to Reds leadoff hitter Jonathan India was a 94 mph fastball that fell in for a strike.  Catcher James McCann immediately tossed the ball back to Scherzer, who was working quicker than even his usual brisk pace.

ASK IRA: Do Heat have a Plan B (or Plan C) to replace P.J. Tucker?  —  Q: At first I was worried about missing out on P.J. Tucker backups like Gorgui Dieng and T.J. Warren.  But I realize Pat Riley probably does not sweat role players when he is whale hunting.

Chicago White Sox get their closer back as Liam Hendriks comes off the IL before big series vs. Minnesota Twins  —  Liam Hendriks targeted July 1 for his return when he landed on the injured list.  —  The Chicago White Sox closer's prediction turned out to be pretty close.

Gerrit Cole gets nostalgic in return to Pittsburgh, where his MLB career began  —  PITTSBURGH — It's been five years, but apparently a piece of Gerrit Cole's heart is still connected to this place.  The Yankees ace was nostalgic Tuesday afternoon when he met with writers that covered him back when he was the Pirates ace.

Seiya Suzuki's inside-the-park homer highlights his return to the Chicago Cubs lineup, but they fall to the Milwaukee Brewers in 10 innings  —  MILWAUKEE — Seiya Suzuki sprinted around the bases at American Family Field.  —  He planned to keep running until told otherwise.

Carlos Santana collapses on stage during performance at Pine Knob in Clarkston  —  Guitarist overcome with “heat exhaustion and dehydration”  —  CLARKSTON, Mich. - Carlos Santana collapsed on stage Tuesday while performing at the Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston, officials say.

Tigers waiting on communication from Eduardo Rodriguez, GM says  —  DETROIT — Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is not communicating with the club during his absence from the team, general manager Al Avila told reporters on Wednesday.  —  “We have reached out, but he hasn't reached out back,” Avila said.

Albert Pujols an All-Star?  CBA allows commissioner to add legends to roster  —  Picture the moment: Albert Pujols stepping to the plate as a pinch-hitter for the National League, the crowd at Dodger Stadium giving him a standing ovation, one final All-Star salute in his spectacular 22-year career.

Magic's R.J. Hampton looking to maximize on-ball reps in summer league  —  For Orlando Magic guard R.J. Hampton, volunteering to play in the Las Vegas summer league was a simple decision.  —  To coach Jamahl Mosley, Hampton stepping forward was an embodiment of the kind of team he's looking to build.

Life was loud with Hank Goldberg — and South Florida was better for it  —  In the last couple years of his life, Hank Goldberg occasionally would call when hooked up to a dialysis machine.  He didn't want anything other than someone to pass some time and gloat with over his latest bet.

MLB All-Star Game: The most deserving starters based on a full season's worth of stats … The All-Star Game is a little later than usual this year, which puts our annual exercise of picking the most deserving players for the July 19 Midsummer Classic slightly ahead of the curve.

NEW: Updated Top 100 Prospects list  —  It's a big day in these parts.  —  Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman has reached the 45-day Major League threshold, meaning he officially graduates from prospect status.  That opens up a new spot at the top of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospect rankings.

Yankees' trailblazing minor league manager Rachel Balkovec just wants ‘to get better’  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Will Rachel Balkovec climb the ladder of the New York Yankees organization and become the manager of the Somerset Patriots?  —  Maybe.  —  Until then, however, she's been enjoying …