'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 Notebook: Carlos Carrasco's rehab delayed by stomach virus  —  Carlos Carrasco's return to action is being delayed by a stomach virus.  The right-hander was set to go on a rehab assignment this weekend but it's been pushed back while he deals with the illness.

Jake Bauers' misplay in left field sinks Yankees as Rays take series opener  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Prior to the Yankees' first game of the year against the Rays, Aaron Boone shared a glowing scouting report on the Yankees' first-place, American League East rivals.  —  “No real weakness.

Astros' Luis Garcia needs Tommy John surgery on right elbow  —  Houston right-hander Luis Garcia needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of the season, another major blow to the Astros' starting rotation.  —  A date for Garcia's surgery has not been set, and the Astros …

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.

Cardinals promote Tres Barrera to give them three catching options on roster  —  A few days before the Cardinals return to Wrigley Field with former All-Star catcher Willson Contreras on their side of the field, the Cardinals made the move to add a third catcher to their roster.

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.

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.

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.

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” …

‘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.