Ex-Red Sox target Jordan Montgomery says ‘Boras kind of butchered’ his free agency  —  On paper, Jordan Montgomery to the Red Sox made perfect sense.  The left-hander was coming off a World Series championship and seemed like the kind of front-of-the-rotation upgrade the Red Sox needed.

Bad break, again: Pitch fractures Willson Contreras' finger, sends Cardinals catcher to IL  —  (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)  —  MINNEAPOLIS — When the pain did not subside and stiffness in his right middle finger did not loosen, Willson Contreras knew he could not continue in the game.

Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene's injury timeline slams door on long-shot playoff hopes  —  PITTSBURGH - So much for that “best-case scenario” for ace Hunter Greene and the Cincinnati Reds.  —  Or at least so much for some interpretations of that term.  —  A day after manager David Bell …

Will the Giants give Matt Chapman a nine-figure contract before he opts out?  —  SEATTLE - A big-money long-term deal never materialized for Matt Chapman as a free agent last year, but his season with the San Francisco Giants is expected to change that.  —  And, much as the third baseman loves playing …

Seattle Mariners fire Scott Servais, name Dan Wilson manager  —  The Seattle Mariners' stunning collapse has prompted a change in leadership, with the club replacing manager Scott Servais with Dan Wilson.  —  The team also announced Thursday afternoon that they have let go hitting coach Jarret DeHart.

Diamondbacks to move Jordan Montgomery to bullpen, keep Ryne Nelson in rotation  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks will move veteran pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the bullpen to keep Ryne Nelson in the starting rotation, manager Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports' Burns & Gambo on Friday.

Red Sox' Alex Cora confirms history will be made Monday at Fenway Park  —  BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed history will be made Monday.  —  He said that he plans to play catcher Danny Jansen in Monday's resumed game against Toronto.  Jansen, who Boston acquired from the Blue Jays on July 27 …

Texas Rangers scratch SP Max Scherzer (arm fatigue) from Friday's rehab start in Frisco  —  The 40-year-old Scherzer is not ready to begin a rehab, according to the Rangers. … FRISCO — Texas Rangers starter Max Scherzer's attempt to return to the rotation has hit another obstacle.

Source: Angels, GM Perry Minasian reach new deal  —  Perry Minasian, nearing the end of his initial four-year contract, will return as general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, a source close to the situation told ESPN on Thursday.  —  Minasian and the Angels recently agreed to terms …

Famed Yankees broadcaster John Sterling may return from retirement to call postseason games: Sources  —  John Sterling may come out of retirement to call the New York Yankees' postseason, according to sources briefed on WFAN, the Yankees and Sterling's plans.

Ballplayers in Japan prep fight for earlier free agency, and chance to join MLB sooner  —  In late July, Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, visited Japan to announce support for players in the country's top league, Nippon Professional Baseball.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant receive 1-game suspensions for recruiting violation: Source  —  Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr will receive a one-game suspension for committing a recruiting violation when courting quarterback Cade McNamara before the transfer portal opened …

Despite a protracted recovery, Triston Casas didn't miss a beat in his return to Red Sox lineup  —  HOUSTON — Triston Casas's return to the lineup last week after missing close to four months wasn't what you would call a soft landing.  —  The first baseman rejoined the Red Sox …