'This is always where I've expected myself': Matt Mervis' journey to Wrigley Field highlights the Chicago Cubs' renewed depth  —  Jeff and Ellen Mervis had just arrived at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Thursday afternoon when the call came through.

Mets blanked by Tigers in Justin Verlander's debut, swept for 2nd time this season  —  DETROIT — Justin Verlander jogged out to the Comerica Park mound in a familiar setting in front of familiar fans.  They gave him a standing ovation.  A few of them even chanted “M-V-P” …

How the Baltimore Orioles became a contender  —  KANSAS CITY — Austin Hays debuted for the Baltimore Orioles as a late September call-up in 2017 at 21, a year after Baltimore made its last playoff appearance.  The next season, spent by Hays at Double-A, they went 47-115.

Yankees' Carlos Rodon delayed further by ‘chronic’ back issue  —  Carlos Rodon's debut with the New York Yankees has hit another snag.  —  Rodon said Friday that his back issue is “chronic,” and he will have a cortisone shot next week in hopes that it speeds up the recovery process.

Yankees' Carlos Rodón's back problem takes another twist: ‘It really sucks’  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Injured Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodón broke his silence Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since the end of spring training.

Chicago White Sox miss some prime opportunities — going 1-for-16 with RISP — in a 7-3, 12-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins  —  Chicago White Sox third baseman Hanser Alberto got hit by a pitch on the right arm on a 1-2 count with the bases loaded in the 10th inning against the Minnesota Twins.

Spectator tumbles into Red Sox bullpen in Philadelphia  —  PHILADELPHIA — A spectator fell over a protective railing and into the Red Sox bullpen while reaching for a baseball in the first inning of Boston's 5-3 win against Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.

Texas basketball legend Lance Blanks dead at 56  —  Cedric Golden Kirk BohlsAustin American-Statesman … Lance Blanks, one of the best shooting guards in Texas basketball history, died in Dallas on Wednesday.  He was 56.  —  The NBA confirmed Blanks' death late Thursday afternoon.

Kyle Schwarber's struggles continue as Phillies fall to Red Sox  —  Even Bryce Harper's return wasn't enough to halt a losing streak for the Philadelphia Phillies, as a poor evening from Kyle Schwarber contributed to the club's fifth consecutive loss, this time at the hands of the red-hot Boston Red Sox.

Rays' Zach Eflin asked by umps to remove wedding ring during start  —  One inning into Rays starter Zach Eflin's 7-inning gem against Pittsburgh, the umpiring crew had him remove a ring from his glove hand during a conference on the mound with Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash present.

‘The Dark Knight’ Retires: Ex-Mets phenom Matt Harvey calls it quits on baseball career  —  Matt Harvey, one of Major League Baseball's last true pitching phenoms who thrilled New York City and navigated numerous peaks and valleys in a decadelong career, announced his retirement from the game Friday.