Astros at Twins prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 3  —  Its Thursday, April 3 and the Astros (2-4) are in Minnesota to open a series against the Twins (2-4).  —  Hunter Brown is slated to take the mound for Houston against Joe Ryan for Minnesota.

Braves are desperate for recovery as they enter their home opener as the majors' only winless team  —  ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves' longest winless start since 2016 has left manager Brian Snitker desperate for a recovery he hopes begins with the team's home opener against Miami.

Some diehard baseball fans in sports-crazed Sacramento welcome Athletics and hope they stay awhile  —  WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Van Thompson walked through the busy concourse shortly before first pitch and sang along to the national anthem, a white Athletics ball cap in hand covering his heart.

Iván Herrera becomes first Cardinals catcher with three-homer game in win over Angels  —  When Iván Herrera was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Panama, he was excited to join an organization that featured one of his idols, Yadier Molina.

Ketel Marte agrees to new six-year, $116.5 million contract with Diamondbacks  —  NEW YORK — Second baseman Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed Wednesday to a six-year, $116.5 million contract, becoming among the first players to negotiate a lower salary for 2027 ahead of a possible work stoppage.

Athletics trade speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Dodgers for minor league pitcher  —  WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Athletics traded talented base-stealer and outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday for minor league right-hander Carlos Duran.

Jackson Merrill and Padres agree to 9-year, $135 million contract for 2026-34  —  SAN DIEGO — All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract covering 2026-34.  —  Merrill's deal includes a $30 million team option for 2035 …

Kristian Campbell agrees to 8-year, $60 million deal with Red Sox  —  BALTIMORE — Kristian Campbell agreed to an eight-year, $60 million contract with the Boston Red Sox less than a week after his major league debut.  —  He gets a $2 million signing bonus, half payable within 60 days …

Trade talks swirling around Patriots QB Joe Milton III  —  PALM BEACH, Fla. - Could a young Patriots quarterback be on the move?  —  It's possible.  —  According to multiple sources, the Patriots have received multiple trade inquiries for young quarterback Joe Milton III.