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.

Kyle Hendricks goes on the IL with a right shoulder strain.  ‘Uncomfortable, just not a good feeling,’ the Chicago Cubs pitcher says.  —  MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks knew something was wrong on his first warmup pitch after taking the mound Tuesday night at American Family Field.

Hal Steinbrenner ‘hopeful’ that Aaron Judge will remain a Yankee long term  —  PITTSBURGH — Hal Steinbrenner is watching what Aaron Judge is doing this season.  The 29 homers to lead the majors, carrying the offense and pushing the team.  The Yankees' controlling partner also knows …

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.

Advocates for Minor Leaguers sends letter to Congress asking for same protections extended to MLB players  —  The executive director of Advocates for Minor Leaguers blistered Major League Baseball's antitrust exemption Thursday in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee leadership …

Ohtani too much for Marlins on mound and in batter's box as Angels snap Miami's six-game win streak  —  Shohei Ohtani allowed one unearned run in seven dominant innings and had the go-ahead hit in the Los Angeles Angels' 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.

‘I was just out there fishing.’ Chris Sale struggles with control, but says he's ready to rejoin Red Sox  —  WORCESTER — Chris Sale's fourth and perhaps final rehab start did not go according to script.  —  While the lefthander showed top-shelf stuff — headlined by a fastball that topped …

Orioles get second straight walk-off win as Cedric Mullins' double in 10th gives Baltimore a 10-9 victory over Rangers: 'There's no quit'  —  ExpandAutoplay  —  1 of 13  —  As the Orioles trickled toward their final out in a game in which they held three leads and lost each one, a fan in the bowl of Camden Yards yelled out.

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.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith suffers fractured wrist with Triple-A Reno  —  Two games into his stint with Triple-A Reno, Diamondbacks outfielder Pavin Smith suffered a fractured right wrist, an injury that will sideline him for at least six to eight weeks, farm director Josh Barfield said.

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.

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.

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.

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.