MLB

LEADING OFF: Verlander backs rolling Astros, mending DodgersBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around Major League Baseball on Tuesday:VERLANDER DAYHouston tries for its 13th straight win with AL ERA leader Justin Verlander on the mound against Tampa Bay. The Astros' ace is 9-2 with a 1.61 ERA,...

Former National League umpire Dutch Rennert dies at 88ST AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) Dutch Rennert, a National League umpire from 1973 to 1992 who was known for his animated, booming strike calls, has died. He was 88.St. John's Family Funeral Home and Crematory in St. Augustine, Florida, confirmed Monday...

AP Sports WriterOrioles designate Pedro Alvarez for assignmentBy DAVID GINSBURGWASHINGTON (AP) Pedro Alvarez has been designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles, who are shuffling the roster in an attempt to improve upon the worst record in the big leagues.The 31-year-old Alvarez had a .181 batting average with...

Phillies send former closer Hector Neris to Triple-APHILADELPHIA (AP) The Phillies have optioned former closer Hector Neris to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and recalled lefty Austin Davis.Neris recorded his 10th save in 13 chances by tossing a perfect ninth in Saturday's 4-1 win at Milwaukee. But he allowed four...

AP Sports WriterIndians' Carrasco suffers only bruise on scary comebackerBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Indians starter Carlos Carrasco only sustained a bruised elbow when he was struck by a line drive against Minnesota.An MRI taken Monday on Carrasco came back negative and the right-hander will likely return once his...

AP Sports WriterAstros GM Luhnow given extension through 2023By KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros have extended the contract of general manager Jeff Luhnow through the 2023 season and added president of baseball operations to his title.Luhnow, who was hired by the Astros on Dec. 7, 2011, led...

AP Sports WriterIndians activate Alonso, sign Rzepczynski to minors dealBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Indians have activated starting first baseman Yonder Alonso from the family medical emergency list.Alonso returned Monday after missing a weekend series against Minnesota. Alonso is batting .248 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs in...

Seattle activates RHP Juan Nicasio from 10-day disabled listSEATTLE (AP) The Mariners have activated right-handed reliever Juan Nicasio from the 10-day disabled list as they continue to add options in their bullpen.Nicasio and catcher Chris Herrmann were added to the 25-man roster on Monday ahead of a road...

AP Baseball WriterLike last year's Twins, young Braves ahead of scheduleBy NOAH TRISTEROn the morning of June 18 two years ago, the Atlanta Braves were 21-46. Now they're atop the NL East.Atlanta has turned its stocked farm system into a major league contender faster than expected, and after Sunday's...

LEADING OFF: Astros go for team record-tying 12th win in rowBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around the majors today:HOT HOUSTONThe Astros aim for their 12th straight victory, which would tie for the longest winning streak in franchise history set in 1999 and duplicated in 2004. Fresh...

Associated PressFlaherty, Carpenter help Cardinals shut down Cubs 5-0By DAVID SOLOMONST. LOUIS (AP) John Brebbia pitched in 70 major league games before earning his first career win. When the wait was over, the individual accomplishment was an afterthought compared to the exhilaration of stopping his team's archrival from...

Associated PressHernandez, Solarte hit back-to-back HRs, Jays beat Nats 8-6By IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) Washington Nationals reliever Ryan Madson had spent the past couple of weeks thinking about how long he'd gone between giving up home runs.He won't have to wonder about it any more after the Toronto Blue...