Willie Mays to enjoy Giants' Rickwood game from Bay Area, not traveling to Birmingham  —  BIRMINGHAM — Willie Mays is looking forward to enjoying the San Francisco Giants' game on Thursday at Rickwood Field with close friends in the Bay Area.  —  Mays has decided it would be easier …

Ron Washington won't let losses deter belief in Angels: 'Ain't no damn failure'  —  PHOENIX − Ron Washington's wife pleaded with him.  —  His friends from New Orleans openly questioned whether he should do this.  —  Those closest to him in the game asked if it made sense to trade security for volatility.

Could Corbin Carroll join the Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals on Tuesday?  —  Corbin Carroll's left side issue does not appear to be serious, and the Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder is en route to Washington, where he will join the team ahead of its series opener on Tuesday against the Nationals, a source said.

Astros' Justin Verlander scratched from start vs. Tigers due to neck discomfort  —  HOUSTON — Astros ace Justin Verlander was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday with neck discomfort, inviting more concern about the viability of Houston's nonexistent rotation depth.

First All-Star Ballot update: Close races and favorites emerging  —  Read our story on the balloting format, which includes two phases of fan voting to determine the All-Star starters.  —  The Yankees' Aaron Judge and the Phillies' Bryce Harper are the leading vote-getters for the American League …

Former infielder, coach Mike Brumley killed in crash at 61  —  Former major league infielder, coach and instructor Mike Brumley was killed in a car crash on Saturday night.  He was 61.  —  Brumley was killed in Mississippi, according to reports.  —  Brumley played for six teams from 1987 to 1995.

Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas takes another small step in recovery from rib cage strain  —  Triston Casas (rib cage strain) has progressed to taking dry swings, which is a good sign for the Red Sox and their first baseman.  —  Prior to Saturday evening's 8-4 win over the Yankees at Fenway Park …

2024 MLB Mock Draft 4.0: Projecting The Top 39 Picks  —  We're in the home stretch as we approach draft day.  —  Many scouting departments recently had end-of-season meetings.  The fourth-annual draft combine takes place this week.  The College World Series is ongoing and college summer leagues are starting to kick off.

Boston steal party!  Sox run over Yanks in historic fashion  —  BOSTON — The running Red Sox?  That's something you've heard well ... almost never.  Playing their home games at the bandbox known as Fenway Park, the Red Sox have thrived on wall-banging thumpers for much of their existence.

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg disciplined for violating gambling rules  —  Major League Baseball has disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league's gambling rules.  Hoberg is appealing the decision.  —  The league acknowledged the investigation in response to inquiries by The Athletic.

Stanley Cup Final: Oilers rout Panthers in Game 4 to avoid being swept  —  EDMONTON, Alberta — Connor McDavid scored, “La Bamba” played in the Edmonton Oilers locker room and the Stanley Cup Final is heading back to Florida after a statement win.  —  McDavid scored his first goal of the series …

Yoshinobu Yamamoto leaves game early before Dodgers fall to Royals  —  Yamamoto's fastball did not seem nearly as crisp in the second inning and did not come back out for the third  —  LOS ANGELES — Yoshinobu Yamamoto had been the picture of consistency and health, two of the reasons …

The latest NBA trade talk, free agency forecasts and coaching carousel chatter  —  Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, Pistons and Europe ... all covered in this around-the-league notes compilation  —  Around-the-league notes that couldn't wait until Sunday?  —  So you can read them immediately or save them for Father's Day?