Detroit Tigers recall Spencer Torkelson after 58 games in Triple-A Toledo  —  Spencer Torkelson is back.  —  The Detroit Tigers recalled Torkelson, the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick, from Triple-A Toledo before Saturday's game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park …

Could six-inning minimum starting pitcher rule come to MLB?  —  GOING INTO THE 2023 season, Major League Baseball implemented the most extreme set of rule changes in the history of the game.  The league instituted a pitch clock, eliminated the shift, enlarged the bases and placed a limit on pickoff throws.

ESPN fires Robert Griffin III, Sam Ponder in cost-cutting moves: Sources  —  ESPN has fired “Sunday NFL Countdown” host Samantha Ponder and analyst Robert Griffin III, sources briefed on the moves told The Athletic on Thursday.  —  The decisions were made for financial reasons as ESPN nears …

Dodgers and Phillies both made deadline offers for Garrett Crochet, plus more MLB notes  —  Left-hander Garrett Crochet's reported refusal to pitch in the playoffs without a contract extension did not stop teams from trying to acquire him before the trade deadline.

Yankees' Alex Verdugo's hitting struggles are a mystery that maybe only doctors can solve  —  NEW YORK — Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo had a lot going on during this summer's All-Star break.  His family was visiting from Arizona, so this was an opportunity to spend four days with mom …

Jazz Chisholm avoiding surgery for now as Yankees hope for September return  —  DETROIT - It appears that Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be avoiding the knife at least for now.  —  After the Yankees sought multiple opinions from doctors on their new third baseman's UCL injury …

Ben Joyce caps scoreless night for Angels' bullpen in victory over Braves  —  ANAHEIM — Ben Joyce continues to show he has what it takes to be a major league closer.  —  The Angels' flame-throwing right-hander picked up a five-out save to secure a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

Texas Rangers SP Max Scherzer says he intends to play in 2025  —  It's been a frustrating season for the 40-year-old Scherzer, but it won't be his last. … ARLINGTON — It has been a confusing and frustrating season for Max Scherzer.  —  What it is not: his last.

Dodgers Place Tyler Glasnow On Injured List  —  The Dodgers placed Tyler Glasnow on the 15-day injured list shortly before tonight's matchup with the Cardinals.  It's the second IL stint of the season for the lanky right-hander, who is dealing with elbow tendinitis.

Red Sox getting big boost as slugger expected to be activated Friday  —  BALTIMORE — The long wait for Triston Casas' return to the Red Sox' lineup is over.  —  Casas is en route to Baltimore and barring something unforeseen before first pitch, is expected to be in the lineup for Boston as it takes on the Orioles on Friday night.

LHP Rich Hill, 44, to sign minors deal with Red Sox, source says  —  Open Extended Reactions  —  Left-handed pitcher Rich Hill is signing a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox, a source told ESPN's Buster Olney on Thursday.  —  Hill, 44, will report to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday or Monday, Olney reports.