MLB

LEADING OFF: Dodgers' Kershaw to get back checked outBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around baseball today:KERSHAW'S BACKDodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will have his back checked out after manager Dave Roberts said the left-hander experienced tightness during his five-inning outing in a 2-1 loss Thursday to the...

AP Baseball WriterQuintana, Zobrist lead Cubs to 5-1 win over banged-up MetsBy MIKE FITZPATRICKNEW YORK (AP) Everything went so well Thursday night for the Chicago Cubs that free-swinger Javier Baez even drew a walk.''We forgot to get the ball,'' manager Joe Maddon said in jest. ''Not for him....

Associated PressNola shuts down Dodgers as Phillies spoil Kershaw's returnBy DOUG PADILLALOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers have learned how to win for long stretches without Clayton Kershaw and might need to do so again.Jorge Alfaro drove in two runs, Aaron Nola pitched seven innings of two-hit...

LEADING OFF: Dodgers' Kershaw to get back checked outBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around Major League Baseball on Friday:KERSHAW'S BACKDodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will have his back checked out after manager Dave Roberts said the left-hander experienced tightness during his five-inning outing in a 2-1 loss...

Nationals activate RHP Ryan Madson from 10-day disabled listATLANTA (AP) The Washington Nationals have activated right-handed reliever Ryan Madson from the 10-day disabled list.The team announced the move before Thursday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Right-hander Trevor Gott was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.Madson missed 12 games with a...

LEADING OFF: Dodgers' Kershaw to get back checked outBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around baseball Friday:KERSHAW'S BACKDodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will have his back checked out after manager Dave Roberts said the left-hander experienced tightness during his five-inning outing in a 2-1 loss Thursday to the...

AP Baseball WriterTeams spent record $289 million on draft picksBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Major league teams spent a record $289 million on players picked in last year's amateur draft, an increase of 7.2 percent from 2016.After an initial drop when restraints began in 2012, spending has climbed...

Rays trade minor league catcher Casali to Reds for cashOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays traded minor league catcher Curt Casali to the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday for cash.Casali batted .199 with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs in 161 games over four seasons with the Rays.The...

AP Baseball WriterTeams spent record $289 million on draft picksBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Major league teams spent a record $289 million on players picked in last year's amateur draft, an increase of 7.2 percent from 2016.After an initial drop when restraints began in 2012, spending has climbed...

Former pitcher Joe Sambito sues agency he worked forSANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) Former major league pitcher Joe Sambito has sued the company that employed him as an agent, claiming wrongful termination and age discrimination.Sambito filed the suit Wednesday in California Superior Court in Orange County against Independent Sports...

Cards' Alex Reyes back on DL after 1st game in 20 monthsST. LOUIS (AP) Alex Reyes' return to the St. Louis Cardinals after a 20-month absence lasted just four innings.The 23-year-old right-hander was put on the 10-day disabled list on Thursday because of a strained latissimus dorsi muscle...

Attempt to remove goose from baseball stadium ends in chaosDETROIT (AP) A Canada goose settled into right-center field during a rain delay at the Detroit Tigers game, and an attempt to remove it ended in chaos.The grounds crew at Comerica Park in Detroit set off two firecrackers and...