TEst 4

A bunt single to break up a minor league no-hitter leads to a look at what teams play for -- wins, not unwritten rules.

Four games in three days between two of the best teams in the American League could help shake up their top-heavy division.

The Cardinals visit the Cubs and the Red Sox host the Rays in series with October implications, plus a showdown between phenoms past and present.

Starting pitching has been an unexpected problem in Atlanta, but the veteran lefty could help turn that around.

Minnesota's Max Kepler, who entered Thursday's game in an 0-for-21 slump, homered three times against the Cleveland Indians. He connected in the first, third and seventh innings off Indians starter Trevor Bauer.

The highly anticipated showdown between Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi is expected to finally take place on Saturday, when the Angels host the Mariners.

The Athletics canceled batting practice at Angel Stadium on Thursday after a swarm of bees took the field -- the latest bunch of bees to affect a big league game this season.

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a deal with free-agent left-hander Dallas Keuchel, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said closer Craig Kimbrel could be ready to take the mound for the team in about three weeks. ESPN confirmed Kimbrel was in agreement with the Cubs on Wednesday on a three-year contract.

Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez left Thursday's game against the Royals with back spasms, the third time this season he has left a game with the issue.

Second baseman Robinson Cano is not in the Mets lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants after tweaking a left quadriceps injury.

Slugger Aaron Boone has resumed on-field batting practice but said he is not focusing on a return date yet. "I'm going to take my time and make sure I get healthy," he says.

"He's Mickey Mantle but not a switch-hitter, Rickey Henderson but right-handed." A decade after the best player of a generation lasted until the 25th pick, those who know best detail how it happened.

The injured slugger has left a void in the Yankees' lineup. But when he left the team Sunday for rehab in Tampa, he took with him the type of wisdom teammates like Clint Frazier have found invaluable.

Overtaking the Cubs just got tougher for the Cardinals and the rest of the NL Central. What can they do about it?

Fans might wish the Cubs had added the veteran relief ace months ago, but how soon can they put him to work?

The Cubs and free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel have reached an agreement on a three-year deal, pending a physical.

Boston's Chris Sale threw his second immaculate inning of the season Wednesday as he required just nine pitches to strike out the side in the bottom of the eighth inning at Kansas City.

Robinson Cano, back for his first game since May 22, left Wednesday night with tightness in his left quadriceps. Mets manager Mickey Callaway defended the team's handling of Cano's injury, saying, "Some things are out of your control."

Mets second baseman Robinson Cano, who was activated from the injured list Wednesday night, came up limping after running out a grounder in the third inning and left with tightness in his left quadriceps.