MLB

AP Sports WriterMachado homers, exits early in Orioles' 6-5 win over TexasBy DAVID GINSBURGBALTIMORE (AP) For well over six seasons, Manny Machado's value to the Baltimore Orioles has been solely his ability to hit and play the field.All that has changed, now that the Orioles are looking to...

Associated PressTeheran sharp in 6-plus innings, Braves beat ArizonaBy GEORGE HENRYATLANTA (AP) Freddie Freeman likes how the Atlanta Braves are positioned with the first half of the season complete.''It's nice to have a winning record at the break,'' the All-Star first baseman said. ''It's been a few years....

Associated PressTigers rough up Verlander in 6-3 win over AstrosBy BY JOSHUA KOCHHOUSTON (AP) Justin Verlander had a puzzling day on the mound in his first-ever start against his previous team.While Verlander racked up double-digit strikeouts, Detroit hammered four home runs off the former Tiger and snapped a...

Murphy's big hit helps Nationals beat Mets 6-1NEW YORK (AP) Daniel Murphy and Trea Turner each hit a two-run single in Washington's five-run seventh inning, helping the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-1 on Sunday.Matt Adams added two hits and scored a run as Washington salvaged a...

Associated PressBogaerts, Holt help red-hot Red Sox enter break with winBy KEN POWTAKBOSTON (AP) Xander Bogaerts homered in his first at-bat a day after hitting a walk-off grand slam and drove in two runs, leading the Boston Red Sox past the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 on Sunday to...

Cubs place Almora on family medical emergency listSAN DIEGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs have placed outfielder Albert Almora Jr. on the family medical emergency list and recalled infielder David Bote from Triple-A Iowa.The Cubs made the moves prior to Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres.Bote returns...

Machado removal from Orioles game fuels trade rumorsBALTIMORE (AP) Orioles shortstop Manny Machado was removed from Baltimore's game against Texas in the fifth inning, setting off speculation the All-Star had been traded.The exit came shortly after a 26-minute rain delay Sunday left the field at Camden Yards in...

Associated PressCardinals look for spark after manager's shock firingBy STEVE OVERBEYST. LOUIS (AP) As the St. Louis Cardinals took stock of their situation a day after the firing of manager Mike Matheny, some players said they bear some responsibility for Matheny's sudden dismissal.Matheny was fired Saturday night after...

Pirates demote OF Austin Meadows to Triple-APITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates demoted outfielder Austin Meadows to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday and recalled right-handed reliever Tanner Anderson.The 23-year-old Meadows was the team's first-round pick in the 2013 draft. He hit .298 in 48 games with Pittsburgh, but he has...

LHP Rodriguez leaves game with injury after tumblingBOSTON (AP) Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez had to leave Saturday's game in the sixth inning with a sprained right ankle after tumbling over Toronto's Lourdes Gurriel Jr. attempting to cover first on a grounder.Rodriguez, off to his third straight scoreless...

Associated PressJ.D. Martinez and his BP iPad no longer a laughing matterBy KEN POWTAKBOSTON (AP) Teammates have long stopped laughing at J.D. Martinez and his iPad.Boston's All-Star slugger is serious about every swing he takes, even in batting practice, and he has the tape to prove it. Get...

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander are expecting first childHOUSTON (AP) Supermodel Kate Upton and Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander are expecting their first child.Upton announced the pregnancy on Instagram on Saturday in a post with the hashtag ''pregnant in Miami'' where she tagged Verlander. The picture of her...