Pirates sign two players to minor-league contracts

The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed the following players to minor league contracts.

Daniel Cucjen, INF, who tge Pirates assigned to the advanced rookie-level Bristol Pirates, played four seasons at the University of Alabama, where he recorded a .237 average (52-for-219) with four doubles, two home runs and 21 RBI in 100 games (57 starts).

Cucjen hit .205 (23-for-112) with two doubles, a home run and 10 RBI in 28 games as a senior this past season for the Crimson Tide.

Nick King INF, who the Pirates assigned to the short-season A West Virginia Black Bears, played two seasons at the University of Georgia, where he hit a combined .239 with four doubles, three triples, three home runs, 35 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 109 games.

King hit .236 (46-for-195) with a double, triple, two home runs, 20 RBI and a team-high tying 13 stolen bases in 55 games (53 starts) this past season for the Bulldogs. He also appeared in four games this summer for the Schaumburg Boomers of the independent Frontier League

King's father, Boris King, was selected by the Pirates in the sixth round of the 1983 draft.

Dodgers place Kershaw on DL

"The Line Drive" Staff Report

MILWAUKEE -- The Los Angeles Dodgers placed pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day disabled list with lower back pain.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it's unknown whether his ace will return in the minimum time.

Kershaw received an epidural injection for pain, but the club did not release an injury diagnosis.

Kershaw had been receiving treatment for the condition for two weeks, but reported more discomfort Monday after losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday night.

MLB Transactions from June 29, 2016

San Francisco Giants placed RHP Chris Heston on the 60-day disabled list. Oblique strain.
San Francisco Giants placed 2B Joe Panik on the 7-day disabled list. Concussion-like symptoms.
Atlanta Braves selected the contract of Joel De La Cruz from Gwinnett Braves.
Oakland Athletics optioned Nick Tepesch to Nashville Sounds.
Seattle Mariners placed RHP Nick Vincent on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 27, 2016. Mid-back strain.
Seattle Mariners activated LHP Wade Miley from the 15-day disabled list.
Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Brock Stewart from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers placed LF Enrique Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 28, 2016. Left rib cage inflammation.
Los Angeles Dodgers transferred LHP Alex Wood from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Soreness in left triceps.
Oakland Athletics optioned Arismendy Alcantara to Nashville Sounds.
Oakland Athletics activated LHP Sean Manaea from the 15-day disabled list.
Atlanta Braves optioned Matt Marksberry to Gwinnett Braves.
Texas Rangers transferred CF Drew Stubbs from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Sprained left little toe.
Texas Rangers optioned Eric Surkamp to Round Rock Express.Texas Rangers claimed LHP Eric Surkamp off waivers from Oakland Athletics.
Kansas City Royals placed CF Lorenzo Cain on the 15-day disabled list. Left hamstring strain.
Kansas City Royals recalled Brett Eibner from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Cincinnati Reds recalled Keyvius Sampson from Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds optioned RHP J.J. Hoover to Louisville Bats.
Miami Marlins signed free agent RHP Willi Garcia to a minor league contract.
San Francisco Giants recalled RHP Chris Heston from Sacramento River Cats.
San Francisco Giants selected the contract of SS Ruben Tejada from Sacramento River Cats.
Tampa Bay Rays activated LF Brandon Guyer from the 15-day disabled list.
Tampa Bay Rays designated LF Jaff Decker for assignment.

Baseball Capsules (June 30, 2016)

PHOENIX (AP) Pinch-hitter Tyler Goeddel hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning and thePhiladelphia Phillies completed their first sweep at Chase Field in 10 years with a 9-8 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks went up 7-4 in the seventh inning on Paul Goldschmidt's two-run double, but the Phillies rallied with four runs in the eighth to go up 8-7.

Jean Segura tied it in the bottom half on an infield single, but the Diamondbacks allowed Jeanmar Gomez (3-2) to escape a jam in the ninth.

Peter Bourjos, who earlier had a two-run homer, hit a two-out single off Silvino Bracho (0-2) in the 10th and moved to third on Cody Asche's single. Goeddel followed with a line drive to right for the go-ahead run.

Brett Oberholtzer worked around a single in the 10th for his first save.

YANKEES 9, RANGERS 7

NEW YORK (AP) - Brian McCann hit a tying, three-run homer off Sam Dyson, Didi Gregorius capped a six-run ninth inning with his two-run shot and the New York Yankeesrallied past Texas.

Down 7-2 and in danger of falling 10 games behind AL East-leading Baltimore, the Yankees began their comeback when McCann homered off Cesar Ramos in the eighth.

Rob Refsnyder singled off Matt Bush leading off the ninth, Jacoby Ellsbury singled and Dyson (1-2) relieved.

Brett Gardner singled and Refsnyder came home when center fielder Ian Desmond bobbled the ball for an error. After Alex Rodriguez lined out, McCann homered into the right-field bleachers, Starlin Castro walked and Gregorius lined the ball into the right-field seats for his first career game-ending homer.

Luis Cessa (1-0) allowed one run in three innings for his first big league win.

CUBS 9, REDS 2

CINCINNATI (AP) - Anthony Rizzo legged out his first inside-the-park homer - another unusual moment in a series full of oddities - and Chicago finished a three-game sweep to get back on solid footing after a rough week.

The Cubs went 1-6 last week, hurt by an injury-depleted lineup and a balky bullpen. With thousands of Cubs fans in the stands at Great American Ball Park for each game, they pulled off an invigorating sweep.

Rizzo drove in three runs in the first inning off left-hander Cody Reed (0-2) with the Cubs' first inside-the-park homer since 2011, when Tony Campana circled the bases against Cincinnati. Left fielder Adam Duvall cut in front of center fielder Billy Hamilton but couldn't get to the ball, which deflected off Hamilton's face. He was examined and left the game.

Kyle Hendricks (6-6) gave up Duvall's 22nd homer and went 6 2/3 innings. He also drove in a run with a squeeze bunt.

ASTROS 10, ANGELS 4

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Jose Altuve went 4 for 5 and scored four runs to help Houston complete a three-game sweep.

It was the second time Houston has sweptLos Angeles in the last two weeks. TheAstros finished the six games with 37 runs. It was also Houston's eighth straight win over their AL West rivals, extending the longest winning streak against Los Angeles in franchise history.

Houston has gone 35-20 since May 1, the third-best mark in the AL in that span.

Altuve, who extended his career-high on-base streak to 32 games, was a home run shy of the cycle and finished the series 8 for 14 with two RBIs and six runs.

Dallas Keuchel (5-9) limited the Angels to three runs and six hits over six innings to win his second straight decision.

Jered Weaver (6-7) pitched into the sixth inning but left after giving up a one-out solo home run to George Springer.

NATIONALS 4, METS 2

WASHINGTON (AP) - Daniel Murphy homered twice, tormenting his former team yet again, and Washington completed a three-game sweep of the New York Mets.

Max Scherzer (9-5) cruised against New York's sputtering offense, allowing two hits with 10 strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings. He retired 18 in a row before Brandon Nimmo's single in the eighth and finished with at least 10 strikeouts for the fourth straight game.

Murphy homered off Logan Verrett (3-5) in the second for a 1-0 lead and golfed a two-run drive in the eighth. He matched his career high with 14 homers and helped Washington win its fourth in a row.

The Mets went 23 innings without scoring before James Loney's two-run homer in the ninth off Shawn Kelley.

RAYS 4, RED SOX 0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Matt Moore pitched seven spotless innings and Brandon Guyer homered and drove in two runs in his return from a three-week stint on the disabled list to lead Tampa Bay.

Moore (4-5) allowed three singles, walked two and struck out five to outpitch David Price (8-5), the former Rays ace who fell to 1-3 in five career starts against his old team.

Guyer, who missed 23 games with a left hamstring strain, led off the second inning with his seventh homer. He doubled down the left-field line to make it 4-1 in the third.

Moore, meanwhile, held the Red Sox hitless until Christian Vazquez singled leading off the sixth. Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts followed with hits to load the bases with one out, but David Ortiz popped up and Hanley Ramirez hit a routine fly that ended the threat.

ROYALS 3, CARDINALS 2, 12 INNINGS

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Alcides Escobar hit a go-ahead RBI double just inside the right-field line in the 12th inning and Kansas Cityoutlasted St. Louis.

Escobar drove in the first run of the game with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the eighth. His fly to shallow right off Seth Maness (0-2) fell just in front of Stephen Piscotty, whose homer leading off the 10th tied it at 2.

Chien-Ming Wang (5-0) worked two scoreless innings for Kansas City, which survived blown saves by Wade Davis and Joakim Soria, stranded 19 runners and used all of its bench players. The Royals are 39-50 in the I-70 interleague series but 14-12 at 11-year-old Busch Stadium.

Whit Merrifield put Kansas City ahead in the 10th when a potential double-play grounder was booted by second baseman Matt Carpenter and Merrifield got an RBI. He also doubled with one out in the 12th.

BLUE JAYS 5, ROCKIES 3

DENVER (AP) - Aaron Sanchez allowed one run in eight innings and Josh Donaldson homered to lead Toronto.

Sanchez (8-1) allowed six hits, struck out three and walked two in extending his unbeaten streak to 12 games.

The Blue Jays won their first series ever in Denver and their first overall since June 13-16, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Roberto Osuna gave up RBI doubles to Mark Reynolds and Daniel Descalso and put the tying run in scoring position with one out in the ninth. He hit Charlie Blackmon to load the bases before he struck out Cristhian Adames to end the game.

Tyler Anderson (0-2) allowed the homer to Donaldson with two outs in the third inning and an RBI single to Troy Tulowitzki two batters later to give Toronto a 3-0 lead.

ORIOLES 12, PADRES 6

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Mark Trumbo hit his major league-leading 23rd homer and drove in four runs as AL East-leading Baltimore won its seventh straight.

The Orioles tied the 1996 Oakland A's for the most homers in June, 55. Overall, the Orioles lead the majors with 124.

The Orioles hit four home runs in sweeping the two-game series, including three in Tuesday night's 11-7 win.

Trumbo hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning and a two-run double in the ninth. Manny Machado had two hits and three RBIs, and pitcher Yovani Gallardo (3-1) singled twice and scored a run.

Christian Friedrich (4-3) allowed six runs, four earned, and five hits in five innings.

TIGERS 10, MARLINS 3

DETROIT (AP) - Miguel Cabrera hit one of Detroit's three homers to lead the Tigers past Miami.

Cabrera hit his 18th homer of the season in the fourth inning, tying Billy Williams at No. 48 on baseball's career list with 426.

Steven Moya and Jarrod Saltalamacchia cleared the fence in consecutive at-bats in the fifth, giving Detroit an 8-2 lead.

Marlins reliever Dustin McGowan gave up all three homers, matching a career high.

The Tigers built a cushion right away with a four-run first, getting two runs on Victor Martinez's single off Tom Koehler.

Daniel Norris (1-0) struck out a career-high eight and gave up two runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings.

Koehler (6-7) allowed five runs and eight hits in three innings.

INDIANS 3, BRAVES 0

ATLANTA (AP) - Danny Salazar threw seven innings, Lonnie Chisenhall hit his second homer of the series and Cleveland won its 12th straight.

Cleveland swept its fourth straight series to extend the majors' longest winning streak this season.

The Indians need one more win to match the longest winning streaks in franchise history. They won 13 straight in 1942 and 1951. They had another 12-game streak in 1922.

Jason Kipnis broke a scoreless tie with a two-run single in the fifth.

Salazar (10-3) was dominant, allowing five hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. He lowered the AL's second-best ERA to 2.22 while winning his sixth straight start.

Braves right-hander Joel De La Cruz (0-1), recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett for his major league debut, allowed three runs in six innings.

BREWERS 7, DODGERS 0

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Junior Guerra allowed two hits over eight innings, Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer and a two-run double and Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit a two-run shot to help Milwaukee spoil Brock Stewart's major league debut.

Braun's two-run homer off Chris Hatcher in the seventh inning gave Guerra some extra cushion, but the 31-year-old rookie right-hander didn't need it.

Guerra (5-1) allowed Corey Seager's double in the first and Yasiel Puig's single in the fifth. After he walked Adrian Gonzalez in the first, Guerra retired 21 of the next 23 batters, striking out seven.

Guerra received a no-decision at Dodger Stadium on June 16 in his previous start against the Dodgers. He allowed five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings then.

Stewart (0-1) retired the side in order in the first, but the Brewers scored five times on six hits in the second. The 24-year-old right-hander regrouped and held the Brewers scoreless for the next three innings. He struck out seven and walked two, throwing 95 pitches.

WHITE SOX 9, TWINS 6

CHICAGO (AP) - James Shields broke out of a slump with 6 2/3 innings against one of baseball's worst lineups, helping Chicago beat Minnesota.

Shields (3-9) allowed one run and eight hits in his first win since he tossed seven scoreless innings for San Diego at Milwaukee on May 12. The right-hander got hit hard after he was acquired by Chicago in a trade June 4, going 0-2 with a 15.80 ERA in his first four starts.

Todd Frazier, Brett Lawrie and Tyler Saladino homered for the White Sox, who improved to 7-1 against the Twins after losing 4-0 in the series opener on Tuesday. Saladino and Tim Anderson each had two hits and two RBIs.

Ricky Nolasco (3-6) was charged with seven runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings in his second straight loss.

Nate Jones got one out for his second save.

ATHLETICS 7, GIANTS 1

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Jed Lowrie and Yonder Alonso each hit two-run homers and Oakland took advantage of San Francisco's sloppy play to win its third straight game in the Bay Bridge series.

Sean Manaea (3-4) pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Billy Burns drove in two runs for the A's, who have won six of seven and will go for a sweep in the two-city series against their cross-bay rivals on Thursday night.

The Giants committed three errors that led to four unearned runs and botched a few other plays in the field that left starting pitcher Jake Peavy (4-7) fuming on the mound. Peavy allowed seven runs - three earned - and five hits in 3 1/3 innings, but could have had a better fate with more support from his fielders.

PIRATES 8, MARINERS 1

SEATTLE (AP) - Sean Rodriguez doubled in consecutive at-bats and drove in four runs, David Freese hit a solo home run and Pittsburgh beat Seattle.

Rodriguez was responsible for breaking the game open in the fifth inning with a three-run double into the left-field corner off Seattle reliever Donn Roach. Rodriguez doubled an inning earlier off starter Wade Miley (6-4) to score Starling Marte.

Freese got it all started with a solo home run on the first pitch of the second inning. It was a three-run inning for Pittsburgh, capped by a two-run double from Josh Harrison.

All that offense backed a strong start from rookie right-hander Jameson Taillon (2-1), who pitched six innings, giving up just one run and six hits.

MLB Transactions from June 28, 2016

Washington Nationals selected the contract of RHP Lucas Giolito from Harrisburg Senators.
Boston Red Sox optioned Eduardo Rodriguez to Pawtucket Red Sox.
Chicago Cubs sent LHP Clayton Richard on a rehab assignment to Iowa Cubs.
Pittsburgh Pirates signed RHP Max Kranick.
Boston Red Sox recalled Pat Light from Pawtucket Red Sox.
St. Louis Cardinals activated C Brayan Pena from the 15-day disabled list.
St. Louis Cardinals designated C Eric Fryer for assignment.
New York Mets sent OF Juan Lagares on a rehab assignment to Binghamton Mets.
Washington Nationals optioned Rafael Martin to Syracuse Chiefs.
Washington Nationals released RHP Taylor Jordan.
Los Angeles Dodgers claimed 2B Cole Figueroa off waivers from Pittsburgh Pirates.
Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Cole Figueroa to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
San Diego Padres claimed RHP Paul Clemens off waivers from Miami Marlins.
San Diego Padres transferred RHP Jon Edwards from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Right flexor strain.
Milwaukee Brewers selected the contract of 2B Jake Elmore from Colorado Springs Sky Sox.
San Diego Padres placed CF Jon Jay on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 20, 2016. Right forearm fracture
San Diego Padres recalled Alex Dickerson from El Paso Chihuahuas.
Milwaukee Brewers designated RF Alex Presley for assignment.
Miami Marlins selected the contract of LHP Jo-Jo Reyes from New Orleans Zephyrs.
Baltimore Orioles recalled T.J. McFarland from Norfolk Tides.
New York Yankees optioned Kirby Yates to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
New York Yankees recalled Conor Mullee from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
San Diego Padres sent RHP Andrew Cashner on a rehab assignment to Lake Elsinore Storm.
Tampa Bay Rays selected the contract of Dana Eveland from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays placed RHP Alex Colome on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 19, 2016. Right medial biceps tendinitis.
Atlanta Braves recalled Casey Kelly from Gwinnett Braves.
Atlanta Braves placed RHP John Gant on the 15-day disabled list. Left oblique strain.
Kansas City Royals activated RHP Yordano Ventura.
Baltimore Orioles sent RHP Vance Worley on a rehab assignment to Frederick Keys.
Oakland Athletics activated RF Josh Reddick from the 15-day disabled list.
Oakland Athletics optioned Max Muncy to Nashville Sounds.
Colorado Rockies sent LHP Jake McGee on a rehab assignment to Modesto Nuts.

Baseball Capsules (June 29, 2016)

ATLANTA (AP) Carlos Santana hit a tiebreaking single in a three-run ninth inning and the Cleveland Indians won their 11th straight game, beating the Atlanta Braves 5-3 Tuesday night.

Corey Kluber (8-7) allowed three hits in eight innings as the Indians extended their best streak since an 11-game string in 1982.

Santana's single off Arodys Vizcaino (1-3) made it 3-2.


CUBS 7, REDS 2, 15 INNINGS

CINCINNATI (AP) - Kris Bryant singled home the tiebreaking run in the 15th inning and Chicago manager Joe Maddon used three pitchers in left field while beating Cincinnati.

With the Cubs out of position players, relievers Travis Wood and Spencer Patton (1-0) alternated between left field and the mound in the 14th. Wood then finished it off with reliever Pedro Strop in left.

A day after hitting three home runs and two doubles, Bryant had an RBI single off J.J. Hoover (1-2). Javier Baez added a grand slam later in the inning.

NATIONALS 5, METS 0

WASHINGTON (AP) - Lucas Giolito threw four scoreless innings in his rain-shortened major league debut to help Washington.

Baseball's top pitching prospect allowed just one hit. The 21-year-old struck out one and walked two before a lengthy rain delay ended his outing.

Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer, his team-leading 16th.

Oliver Perez (2-1) won in relief. Former New York ace Matt Harvey (4-10) took the loss.

RANGERS 7, YANKEES 1

NEW YORK (AP) - Cole Hamels breezed through seven shutout innings to win his fourth consecutive start, Adrian Beltre homered and drove in three runs, and Texas kept rolling.

The Rangers have won four in a row and 12 of 14 overall, and eight straight on the road.

Hamels (9-1) yielded six singles and struck out seven in outpitching CC Sabathia (5-5).

Yankees slugger Carlos Beltran left in the first with a tight right hamstring. He had an MRI that was ''clean'' and is day to day, manager Joe Girardi said.

DODGERS 6, BREWERS 5

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Teen lefty Julio Urias posted his first big league win as Los Angeles held off Milwaukee.

Urias (1-2) gave up two hits and walked six in six innings. The 19-year-old rookie left with a 6-2 lead, and Kenley Jansen got his 23rd save.

Chase Anderson (4-8) took the loss.

Dodger center fielder Joc Pederson crashed face first into the wall after catching Chris Carter's sacrifice fly in the eighth. Pederson crumpled onto the warning track and, after several minutes, walked off holding his chest.

RED SOX 8, RAYS 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Travis Shaw homered, doubled, singled and drove in five runs as Boston ended a three-game losing streak.

Rick Porcello (9-2) gave up one run in six innings.

Tampa Bay ace Chris Archer (4-11) has gone from being an All-Star a year ago to leading the major leagues in losses this season.

CARDINALS 8, ROYALS 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Matt Carpenter homered and St. Louis finished with a two-game split in Kansas City. The intrastate series now shifts to Busch Stadium for two games.

Michael Wacha (4-7) allowed four runs over six innings. Yordano Ventura (6-5) allowed seven runs on seven hits, three walks and a hit batter in 5 1/3 innings.

Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain grabbed his left hamstring while trying to beat out an infield hit in the seventh. He exited and the extent of the injury was unclear.

TWINS 4, WHITE SOX 0

CHICAGO (AP) - Brian Dozier homered twice and drove in four runs to lead Minnesota.

It was the ninth straight game with an extra-base hit for Dozier, the longest streak for the franchise since it moved to Minnesota in 1961.

The Twins beat Chicago for first time in seven tries. Kyle Gibson (1-5) pitched seven innings of five-hit ball.

Dozier pulled both homers off Jose Quintana (5-8).

TIGERS 7, MARLINS 5

DETROIT (AP) - Miguel Cabrera's three-run homer highlighted a seven-run fifth inning that boosted Detroit.

Jose Iglesias and Nick Castellanos also homered during the big inning, which came after Adam Conley (4-5) had been dominant through four.

Mike Pelfrey (2-7) allowed four runs and 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer for Miami.

Padres claim Clemens off waivers from Marlins, place Jay on DL, recall Dickerson

SAN DIEGO – The Padres claimed right-hander Paul Clemens off waivers from the Marlins and transferred righty reliever Jon Edwards to the 60-day disabled list to clear room on the 40-man roster.

In 14 starts with Triple-A New Orleans this season, Clemens went 6-4 with a 4.30 ERA. He was called up to Miami on June 19, and made two starts, allowing seven earned runs in 10 innings.

During three big-league seasons, Clemens posted a 5.58 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP in 108 innings.

The Padres also made other roster moves on Tuesday. OF Jon Jay will likely miss at least a month with a broken right forearm. He was placed on the disabled list Tuesday.

Alex Dickerson was recalled from Triple-A El Paso in place of Jay.

Jay sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch in a 6-3 win over the Nationals on June 19. The club offered no concrete timetable for his return, but according to the Padres website, manager Andy Green told the Mighty 1090 that Jay would be re-evaluated in three weeks and could be looking at a four- to six-week recovery period.

In 68 games this season, Jay was batting .296/.345/.407, while leading the National League with 24 doubles.

"He's tough to replace, there's no doubt about that," Green told the Mighty 1090, a San Diego local sports radio station. "He's a tremendous leader, he goes about his business the right way. He was great at the top of the order. ... He wasn't just getting on base, but he was getting clutch hits for us."

MLB Transactions from June 27, 2016

Seattle Mariners sent C Jesus Sucre on a rehab assignment to Tacoma Rainiers.
Baltimore Orioles optioned Ashur Tolliver to Norfolk Tides.
Los Angeles Angels activated RHP JC Ramirez.
Los Angeles Angels optioned A.J. Achter to Salt Lake Bees.
Oakland Athletics sent LHP Rich Hill on a rehab assignment to Stockton Ports.
Tampa Bay Rays sent Andrew Bellatti outright to Durham Bulls.
Chicago Cubs sent Tim Federowicz outright to Iowa Cubs.
Oakland Athletics designated LHP Eric Surkamp for assignment.
Oakland Athletics claimed Nick Tepesch off waivers from Los Angeles Dodgers.
Atlanta Braves designated RHP Alexi Ogando for assignment.
Atlanta Braves recalled RHP Mauricio Cabrera from Mississippi Braves.
Tampa Bay Rays recalled Danny Farquhar from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays designated RHP Ryan Webb for assignment.
Texas Rangers recalled Chi Chi Gonzalez from Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers optioned LHP Alex Claudio to Round Rock Express.
Los Angeles Dodgers sent RHP Brandon McCarthy on a rehab assignment to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
New York Yankees sent Ike Davis outright to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Chicago Cubs selected the contract of Joel Peralta from Iowa Cubs.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned Chad Girodo to Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled Ryan Tepera from Buffalo Bisons.
Boston Red Sox optioned William Cuevas to Pawtucket Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox selected the contract of Mike Miller from Pawtucket Red Sox.
Washington Nationals recalled Rafael Martin from Syracuse Chiefs.
Philadelphia Phillies sent RHP Dalier Hinojosa on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Cincinnati Reds recalled Jumbo Diaz from Louisville Bats.
Atlanta Braves sent 3B Gordon Beckham on a rehab assignment to GCL Braves.
Cincinnati Reds sent RHP Homer Bailey on a rehab assignment to Louisville Bats.
Philadelphia Phillies optioned Elvis Araujo to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Philadelphia Phillies activated RHP Vince Velasquez from the 15-day disabled list.
Washington Nationals sent RHP Jonathan Papelbon on a rehab assignment to Potomac Nationals.
Chicago Cubs optioned Gerardo Concepcion to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs sent 3B Tommy La Stella on a rehab assignment to Iowa Cubs.

Baseball Capsules (June 28, 2016)

CINCINNATI – Kris Bryant became the first major leaguer to hit three homers and two doubles in a game, and Jake Arrieta added a solo shot in the ballpark where he threw a no-hitter in April, leading the Chicago Cubs to an 11-8 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

The Cubs pulled out of their 1-6 slide behind a tandem that's had some huge moments in Cincinnati.

Arrieta (12-2) threw his second career no-hitter on April 21 during a 16-0 win over the Reds. Bryant led the way with two homers in that game, including a grand slam that gave him a career-high six RBIs.

Arrieta struggled in his return to Cincinnati, giving up a season-high five runs in five innings, but Bryant drove in six again to back the right-hander. Bryant's 16 total bases were a Cubs record, and his five hits marked a career high.

Bryant homered twice off Dan Straily (4-5) and once against Ross Ohlendorf, who also gave up a homer to Anthony Rizzo.

Arrieta hit an opposite-field drive — his fourth career home run — off Michael Lorenzen. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner became the league's first 12-game winner despite his worst outing of the season.

INDIANS 8, BRAVES 3

ATLANTA (AP) — Lonnie Chisenhall hit a three-run homer, Trevor Bauer (6-2) gave up two runs in six innings and Cleveland beat Atlanta for its 10th straight win.

Jason Kipnis added a home run in the ninth.

The AL Central-leading Indians extended the majors' longest winning streak of the season. It is Cleveland's longest run since closing the 2013 regular season with 10 straight wins.

The Indians have outscored opponents 68-21 and hit 21 homers during the streak. They had 14 hits and scored at least six runs for the seventh straight game.

Chisenhall homered in the fourth off Tyrell Jenkins (0-1). He relieved Braves rookie John Gant, who exited in the third with a left oblique strain.

RANGERS 9, YANKEES 6

NEW YORK (AP) — The Texas Rangers wrapped up a weird win at 2:44 a.m. Tuesday, rallying after a rain delay of more than 3 1/2 hours in the ninth inning to beat New York with maybe 100 fans left in the stands.

Yankee Stadium was so deserted that shouts from Texas players cheering in the dugout for Adrian Beltre's go-ahead, two-run single could easily be heard bouncing around the ballpark.

Texas trailed 6-5 when Kirby Yates replaced closer Aroldis Chapman after the delay with a runner on first and no outs. Yates (2-1) hit three batters, and Beltre and Elvis Andrus each hit a two-run single.

By then, the cleaning crews had already started their work in the upper decks.

Rain-themed songs wafted over the sound system while showers fell during the break of 3 hours, 35 minutes.

Tony Barnette (5-2) got the win and Sam Dyson earned his 16th save as Texas won its third in a row.

Ian Desmond and Rougned Odor homered for Texas, which owns the best record in the AL. Mark Teixeira homered for the second straight day and got three hits for the Yankees.

NATIONALS 11, METS 4

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ben Revere had four hits and three steals as Washington handed Noah Syndergaard his first loss in more than a month, beating New York in the opener of a three-game series between NL East rivals.

Nationals starter Joe Ross (7-4) gave up four early runs, then retired 11 of his last 12 batters. Anthony Rendon had three RBIs for Washington.

The Nationals increased their lead over idle Miami to 3 1/2 games, while the Mets are four games back. The Nationals stole six bases, matching their most since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005.

Five steals came against Syndergaard (8-3), who had won six consecutive decisions and had not lost since May 6. He lasted only three innings, surrendering season highs in runs (5) and walks (3).

DODGERS 5, PIRATES 4

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A.J. Ellis hit a tiebreaking, two-out infield single that capped a four-run fifth inning, and Los Angeles rallied past Pittsburgh to salvage the finale of a four-game series.

Scott Kazmir (6-3), who entered with an 11.17 ERA at PNC Park, won despite allowing four runs, four hits and four walks in five innings. Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers' sixth pitcher, got four outs for his 22nd save in 25 chances.

Francisco Liriano (4-8) led by four runs early and took a two-hitter and a 4-1 lead into the fifth, when he was chased by Yasiel Puig's two-run single.

RAYS 13, RED SOX 7

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Nick Franklin homered and drove in a career-high five runs to help Tampa Bay end an 11-game losing streak with a victory over Boston.

Franklin had his first three hits of the season, and Logan Forsythe and Desmond Jennings also homered in support of rookie Blake Snell (1-2), who allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings to get his first big league win.

Tampa Bay's skid matched the longest in the majors this year.

Forsythe finished with three of Tampa Bay's season-best 18 hits, including a two-run homer off Eduardo Rodriguez (1-3) that gave Snell a 9-0 lead in the third. Logan Morrison drove in two during a five-run first.

Rodriguez gave up nine runs and 11 hits in 2 2/3 innings.

ROCKIES 9, BLUE JAYS 5

DENVER (AP) — Carlos Gonzalez hit a three-run homer, Jon Gray tossed seven solid innings and the Rockies beat Toronto to spoil Troy Tulowitzki's return to Colorado.

Tulowitzki went 0 for 4 in his first game at Coors Field since Toronto acquired him from the Rockies last July 27. He received a standing ovation when he batted in the second inning. He stepped out of the batter's box and doffed his helmet to the 36,491 fans.

Edwin Encarnacion homered twice and Devon Travis also went deep for the Blue Jays.

Gray (5-3) allowed four runs and struck out eight. Colorado rallied for six runs in the seventh off three relievers. Drew Storen (1-3) hit two straight batters with pitches ahead of Nolan Arenado's two-run single.

ROYALS 6, CARDINALS 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Duffy matched a career best with eight sharp innings and Kansas City defeated St. Louis to open a four-game, two-city series between cross-state rivals.

Kendrys Morales went 4 for 4 and drove in two runs, and Eric Hosmer also had a pair of RBIs as the Royals roughed up Adam Wainwright (6-5) to snap a four-game losing streak to the Cardinals.

Duffy (3-1) served up a two-run homer to Matt Holliday in the first before settling into a nice rhythm. The left-hander struck out eight and didn't walk a batter.

It was Wainwright's first loss in six starts at Kauffman Stadium.

ATHLETICS 8, GIANTS 3

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Daniel Mengden pitched into the eighth inning for his first major league win, backed by Marcus Semien's three-run homer and four RBIs, and Oakland beat San Francisco to open the Bay Bridge Series.

Semien connected in the second, and Jed Lowrie and Khris Davis added RBI doubles against Jeff Samardzija (8-5) during a five-run inning. Semien added a run-scoring double in the sixth, and Davis hit an RBI single in the seventh.

Mengden (1-3) retired his first 13 batters before Angel Pagan's one-out single in the fifth. He was pulled in the eighth after losing his shutout bid.

Oakland won for the fourth time in five games, handing the Giants just their third defeat in 16 games and fourth in 17 at AT&T Park.

PHILLIES 8, DIAMONDBACKS 0

PHOENIX (AP) — Vince Velasquez threw five strong innings in his return from the disabled list, and Philadelphia beat Arizona.

Velasquez (6-2), who hadn't pitched since June 8 because of a right biceps strain, gave up five hits and struck out seven with no walks. The 24-year-old right-hander threw 84 pitches before he was removed as a precaution.

Robbie Ray (4-7) blanked the Phillies through five innings before getting tagged with two runs in the sixth and two in Philadelphia's six-run seventh.

The Diamondbacks were just back from a 7-3 road trip that included a four-game sweep of the Phillies.

Odubel Herrera had four hits, and Maikel Franco drove in three runs.

ASTROS 4, ANGELS 2

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Carlos Correa snapped a ninth-inning tie with a sacrifice fly, and Will Harris pitched out of a major jam moments later to preserve Houston's victory over Los Angeles.

After the Angels loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth, Harris struck out Jett Bandy and snagged Andrelton Simmons' comebacker to start a 1-2-3 double play that ended the game.

Houston scored its second run in the ninth on a wild pitch by J.C. Ramirez. The surging Astros have won six straight against the Angels and eight of nine overall.

Mike Trout homered in his third consecutive game for Los Angeles, which has lost seven of eight. He had three hits and scored twice.

Luke Gregerson (3-1) tossed a scoreless inning for the win, and Harris earned his seventh save in as many chances.

Fernando Salas (3-5) took the loss.

Phillies activate RHP Vince Velasquez

"The Line Drive" Staff Report

The Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday activated RHP Vince Velasquez from the 15-day disabled list.

The Phillies placed Velasquez on the DL on June 10 retroactive to June 9 with a right biceps strain.

The Phillies then sent Velasquez on a rehab assignment to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils on June 22.

Velasquez has a 5-2 record with a 3.65 ERA, 73 strikeouts and a 1.26 WHIP in 61.2 innings pitched in 2016.

Velasquez was drafted 58th overall in the second round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros.

MLB Transactions from June 26. 2016

Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of Chad Kuhl from Indianapolis Indians.
Washington Nationals placed RHP Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 16, 2016. Upper back strain.
Pittsburgh Pirates released LHP Cory Luebke.
Los Angeles Angels claimed JC Ramirez off waivers from Cincinnati Reds.
Toronto Blue Jays sent LHP Franklin Morales on a rehab assignment to Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays placed RHP Gavin Floyd on the 15-day disabled list. Right shoulder tightness.
Toronto Blue Jays recalled Bo Schultz from Buffalo Bisons.
Seattle Mariners signed free agent C P.J. Jones to a minor league contract.
Minnesota Twins sent RHP Trevor May on a rehab assignment to Rochester Red Wings.
Miami Marlins optioned Nefi Ogando to New Orleans Zephyrs.
New York Yankees optioned Nick Goody to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
New York Yankees recalled Luis Cessa from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Tampa Bay Rays optioned Tyler Sturdevant to Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays activated RHP Ryan Webb from the 15-day disabled list.
Tampa Bay Rays optioned Danny Farquhar to Durham Bulls.
San Francisco Giants sent RHP Sergio Romo on a rehab assignment to San Jose Giants.
Baltimore Orioles optioned T.J. McFarland to Norfolk Tides.
Pittsburgh Pirates designated RHP Curtis Partch for assignment.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Kyle Lobstein to Indianapolis Indians.
Baltimore Orioles sent C Caleb Joseph on a rehab assignment to Frederick Keys.

Baseball Capsules (June 27, 2016)

DETROIT (AP) — Lonnie Chisenhall had four hits, including one of Cleveland's four home runs off Justin Verlander in the fifth inning, and the streaking Indians won their ninth straight game Sunday by beating Detroit 9-3 to remain unbeaten in nine meetings with the Tigers this season.

Juan Uribe, Tyler Naquin and Mike Napoli also went deep for the Indians. Chisenhall was 4 for 4 with a triple and three RBIs.

Mike Tomlin (9-1) beat Verlander for the third time this year, allowing three runs and six hits in eight innings.

Cleveland overcame three homers by former teammates, including two by Victor Martinez, to sweep Detroit for the third time this year. The Indians have outscored the Tigers 60-20 in nine games.

Only once before had Verlander (7-6) allowed four homers in a start — also against the Indians in 2007. According to the Elias Sports Bureau and Fox Sports Detroit, he became the first pitcher in franchise history to give up four in one inning.

MARLINS 6, CUBS 1

MIAMI (AP) — Jose Fernandez delivered another gem at Marlins Park, striking out 13 and allowing one run in seven innings to help Miami beat faltering Chicago.

The Marlins won three of four from the injury-depleted Cubs, who went 1-6 for the week but still have the best record in the majors.

Fernandez (10-3) improved his career record at home to 24-1 with a 1.48 ERA, and this year the right-hander has been pretty good everywhere — he has a 2.28 ERA and 138 strikeouts.

Giancarlo Stanton doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the sixth for the Marlins, who went 7-3 on their homestand. At 41-35, they're six games above .500 for the first time since June 2012, their first season in Marlins Park.

Jason Hammel (7-4) allowed two runs in six innings, and the Cubs lost his fourth start in a row even though he pitched out of several jams.

Martin Prado hit a three-run double in the ninth.

ORIOLES 12, RAYS 5

BALTIMORE (AP) — Chris Davis hit his seventh career grand slam, and Baltimore completed an unprecedented sweep of Tampa Bay that extended the Rays' losing streak to 11 games.

Jonathan Schoop and Mark Trumbo also homered for the AL East leaders, whose 31-13 home record is the best in the majors. Baltimore has won five straight to climb a season-high 15 games over .500 (45-30).

Davis hit an opposite-field drive to left after the Orioles used a walk and two singles to load the bases with no outs in the first inning against Drew Smyly (2-8).

That sent Baltimore to its first four-game sweep in a rivalry that began in 1998. The Orioles are 7-2 against Tampa Bay this season, 6-0 at home.

Tyler Wilson (4-5) earned his first win in seven home starts this season despite allowing five runs and 10 hits over five innings.

The Rays have been outscored 72-29 during their skid and yielded at least five runs in each game. The defeat completed an 0-7 swing through Cleveland and Baltimore, the third time in franchise history the team has gone winless on a road trip of at least seven games.

Desmond Jennings and newcomer Oswaldo Arcia homered for the Rays, mired in their longest losing streak in seven years.

PIRATES 4, DODGERS 3

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Chad Kuhl ended Clayton Kershaw's nine-game winning streak in his major league debut, and David Freese hit a three-run double that sent Pittsburgh past Los Angeles.

The 23-year-old Kuhl (1-0) allowed three runs and four hits in five innings after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis before the game.

Kershaw (11-2) took his second loss exactly two months after he was beaten by Miami. He gave up four runs and nine hits in six innings, striking out four.

Freese's big hit capped a four-run second. Pittsburgh rookie Adam Frazier drove in the first run with a single after entering in the top of the inning when shortstop Jordy Mercer was injured.

The Pirates have won three in a row against the Dodgers after losing 13 of 15 overall and can sweep the four-game series Monday. Los Angeles arrived on a six-game winning streak.

Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth for his 22nd save in 23 opportunities, combining with Juan Nicasio and A.J. Schugel for four scoreless innings of relief.

Justin Turner homered and drove in all three Dodgers runs. He had two of their four hits.

NATIONALS 3, BREWERS 2

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Tanner Roark pitched seven shutout innings in place of injured ace Stephen Strasburg, and Washington ended a seven-game losing streak by beating Milwaukee.

Jose Lobaton and Clint Robinson homered for the Nationals. Lobaton hit his first homer of the season in the seventh off reliever Jacob Barnes (0-1). Robinson added a two-run shot in the eighth.

Roark (7-5) held the Brewers to seven hits and struck out seven. Strasburg was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the game with an upper back strain.

Shawn Kelley retired four batters for his third save.

TWINS 7, YANKEES 1

NEW YORK (AP) — Tyler Duffey set down the first 17 New York batters and wound up pitching two-hit ball for eight innings while Minnesota backed him with six home runs.

Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe and Max Kepler hit consecutive homers in the sixth to help the Twins end a three-game skid. Danny Santana, Eduardo Nunez and Juan Centeno also connected.

Duffey (3-6) pitched perfect ball until Aaron Hicks doubled with two outs in the sixth. Duffey struck out eight, walked none and stopped a team that had won three in a row. The 25-year-old righty began the day with a 6.18 ERA, was 0-3 in his last five starts and had been hit hard in seven straight outings.

The Twins have won just two of their last 12 against New York.

Nathan Eovaldi (6-5) lost to Minnesota for the second time in eight days. He is winless in five starts, tagged for 10 homers and 25 runs over 26 innings during that span.

Mark Teixeira homered in the Yankees eighth.

ROCKIES 9, DIAMONDBACKS 7

DENVER (AP) — Mark Reynolds hit a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Colorado over Arizona.

Carlos Gonzalez had a grand slam, and Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon also went deep for the Rockies, who gained a split of the four-game series.

Story was hit by a pitch leading off the ninth. Silvino Bracho (0-1) retired the next two batters before Reynolds connected for his eighth home run. It was Colorado's first walk-off win since Sept. 26, 2015.

Carlos Estevez (2-5) was the winner.

Paul Goldschmidt had two hits and four RBIs for Arizona.

GIANTS 8, PHILLIES 7

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Conor Gillaspie hit a game-ending double with one out in the ninth inning to lift San Francisco over Philadelphia, giving manager Bruce Bochy his 800th win with the Giants.

Ramiro Pena doubled off Severino Gonzalez (0-1) and scored standing up when Gillaspie lined a 1-1 pitch in the same direction.

Angel Pagan had a season-high four hits and two RBIs while five others had two hits apiece for San Francisco, which has won 13 of 15.

The teams combined for 28 hits, with the Phillies rallying to tie the score twice in the final three innings before Gillaspie's game-winner.

Odubel Herrera homered and Peter Bourjos added three hits for Philadelphia.

Cory Gearrin (3-0) retired two batters for the win.

CARDINALS 11, MARINERS 6

SEATTLE (AP) — Matt Carpenter and Tommy Pham each homered twice as St. Louis went deep six times against Seattle.

Jedd Gyorko and Matt Holliday also homered for St. Louis. Carpenter, Holliday and Aledmys Diaz each had three hits as the Cardinals finished with 17 — including 13 for extra bases.

Gyorko and Pham led off the seventh with back-to-back home runs against reliever Nick Vincent (1-7) to break a 6-all tie. Holliday extended St. Louis' lead to 9-6 with a solo shot in the eighth against Edwin Diaz. Pham and Carpenter each hit their second home runs, both solo shots, in the ninth.

Kevin Siegrist (5-2) allowed one run in 1 1/3 innings to get the win.

Nelson Cruz hit his 19th homer for the Mariners, and Franklin Gutierrez had a three-run shot.

ANGELS 7, BLUE JAYS 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jefry Marte drove in Mike Trout with a game-ending sacrifice fly, and Los Angeles stopped a six-game losing streak.

Trout led off the ninth with a single against Liam Hendriks (0-1). With one out and the bases loaded, Marte's fly to center field scored Trout easily from third.

The Angels trailed 6-2 after six innings, but Trout hit a two-run homer in the seventh and Marte had an RBI single in a two-run eighth. Huston Street (3-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.

Coco Crisp hit a grand slam for Oakland in the fourth. Marcus Semien followed with his 14th homer.

RANGERS 6, RED SOX 2

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The first six Texas hitters reached safely for an early lead, and Martin Perez pitched six solid innings against Boston for his sixth straight win.

Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer for the Rangers, who are 11-0-1 in series since getting swept at Oakland in mid-May.

Perez (7-4) was working on a shutout before Bryce Brentz hit a solo drive with two outs in the sixth for his first major league homer.

Shin-Soo Choo, Ian Desmond, Nomar Mazara and Adrian Beltre opened Texas' three-run first with four straight singles. The last two drove in a run apiece, to go along with Rougned Odor's blooper to left against Clay Buchholz (3-8).

ROYALS 6, ASTROS 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ian Kennedy struck out 11 over seven innings and Kansas City snapped Houston's seven-game winning streak.

After Royals starters Edinson Volquez and Chris Young were roughed up in blowout losses in the first two games of the series, Kennedy (6-6) allowed one run and three hits with one walk.

Kendrys Morales hit a pair of solo homers for Kansas City, and Cheslor Cuthbert connected for a two-run shot. Lorenzo Cain had three of the Royals' 13 hits.

Doug Fister (8-4) lost for the first time since April 25. He gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings, including three homers.

Evan Gattis hit a leadoff homer in the sixth for Houston.

BRAVES 5, METS 2

ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman and Adonis Garcia homered, and Bud Norris threw seven scoreless innings to send Atlanta past New York.

Freeman had three hits and a walk, helping the Braves salvage a split of the four-game series.

Brandon Nimmo, one of New York's top prospects, made his major league debut and went 0 for 4 with a game-ending strikeout. The outfielder was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Norris (3-7) allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked none. Arodys Vizcaino got one out for his 10th save.

Bartolo Colon (6-4) yielded one run and six hits in seven innings.

WHITE SOX 5, BLUE JAYS 2

CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Sale pitched eight innings of two-run ball to become the first 13-game winner in the majors, leading Chicago over Toronto.

Tim Anderson and J.B. Shuck homered to help the White Sox take two of three from the slumping Blue Jays, who have dropped five of seven. Chicago (38-38) returned to .500 with its fifth win in seven games.

Sale (13-2) allowed five hits, struck out seven and walked two in his fourth straight victory. David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save in 22 chances.

Troy Tulowitzki and Junior Lake homered for Toronto in the eighth. Marcus Stroman (6-4) allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings.

REDS 3, PADRES 0

CINCINNATI (AP) — Anthony DeSclafani pitched eight innings and singled with the bases loaded, carrying Cincinnati past San Diego in the finale of the Reds' weekend dedicated to Pete Rose.

Until Sunday, the only thing missing from the hits king gala was a win. The Reds' top starter took care of that in front of Cincinnati's third straight sellout crowd.

DeSclafani (2-0) gave up five singles, struck out five and didn't allow a runner to reach second base. He also hit an RBI single in the sixth off Luis Perdomo (2-3).

Jay Bruce hit his 17th homer, and Tucker Barnhart doubled home a run as the Reds avoided a four-game sweep. Tony Cingrani earned his ninth save, completing Cincinnati's first shutout of the season.

Yankees recall Cessa, option Goody

"The Line Drive" Staff Report

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees on Sunday recalled RHP Luis Cessa from the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and optioned RHP Nick Goody to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

In nine games with the RailRiders in 2016, Cessa has posted a 2-1 record, along with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 39.2 innings pitched.

Cessa also posted a 2.57 ERA in seven innings pitched in three games with the Yankees this season.

Goody posted a 4.91 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in 22 innings pitched in 19 games with the Yankees so far in 2016.

MLB Transactions from June 25, 2016

Houston Astros selected the contract of 1B A.J. Reed from Fresno Grizzlies.
Houston Astros optioned Tony Kemp to Fresno Grizzlies.
Milwaukee Brewers signed LHP Daniel Brown.
Milwaukee Brewers signed OF Corey Ray.
Tampa Bay Rays optioned Steve Geltz to Durham Bulls.
Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent RHP Jeremy Newton to a minor league contract.
Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Zack Godley to Reno Aces.
Baltimore Orioles recalled LHP T.J. McFarland from Norfolk Tides.
New York Yankees activated 1B Mark Teixeira.
New York Yankees designated 1B Ike Davis for assignment.
Tampa Bay Rays sent LF Brandon Guyer on a rehab assignment to Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Miami Marlins signed free agent OF Alex Glenn to a minor league contract.
Arizona Diamondbacks recalled Silvino Bracho from Reno Aces.
Boston Red Sox optioned SS Deven Marrero to Pawtucket Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox recalled William Cuevas from Pawtucket Red Sox.
Colorado Rockies selected the contract of Yohan Flande from Albuquerque Isotopes.
Colorado Rockies optioned Miguel Castro to Albuquerque Isotopes.
New York Mets signed free agent SS Jose Reyes to a minor league contract.
Kansas City Royals optioned Brett Eibner to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals activated LF Alex Gordon from the 15-day disabled list.
Tampa Bay Rays recalled RHP Danny Farquhar from Durham Bulls.
New York Mets recalled Brandon Nimmo from Las Vegas 51s.
New York Mets optioned LF Michael Conforto to Las Vegas 51s.
Toronto Blue Jays sent LHP Brett Cecil on a rehab assignment to Buffalo Bisons.
Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Chris Taylor from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated RHP Nick Tepesch for assignment.
Houston Astros designated C Alfredo Gonzalez for assignment.
Atlanta Braves signed RHP Ian Anderson.
Atlanta Braves signed C Brett Cumberland.
Atlanta Braves signed LHP Drew Harrington.
Atlanta Braves recalled Matt Marksberry from Gwinnett Braves.
Atlanta Braves signed RHP Bryse Wilson.
Atlanta Braves optioned RHP Aaron Blair to Gwinnett Braves.
Atlanta Braves signed LHP Taylor Hyssong.
Atlanta Braves signed OF Matt Hearn.
Kansas City Royals sent RHP Kris Medlen on a rehab assignment to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Baltimore Orioles sent RHP Vance Worley on a rehab assignment to Bowie Baysox.
Atlanta Braves sent RHP Mike Foltynewicz on a rehab assignment to Gwinnett Braves.
Oakland Athletics selected the contract of Dillon Overton from Nashville Sounds.
Oakland Athletics optioned Eric Surkamp to Nashville Sounds.
Oakland Athletics transferred RHP Henderson Alvarez from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Recovering from July 2015 right shoulder surgery.
Los Angeles Dodgers sent Will Venable outright to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Texas Rangers activated RHP A.J. Griffin.
Texas Rangers placed RHP Colby Lewis on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 22, 2016. Strained right latissimus dorsi muscle.

Baseball Capsules (June 26, 2016)

NEW YORK (AP) Starlin Castro drove home the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning with a sharp one-hopper scored an error on shortstop Eduardo Escobar, and the New York Yankees edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1 Saturday with more dominant pitching from the back end of their bullpen.

Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller (5-0) and Aroldis Chapman combined to throw three scoreless innings for the third straight game.

They had teamed up to set down 26 consecutive batters during that stretch before Joe Mauer singled on a 99 mph fastball from Chapman with two outs in the ninth.

The left-hander then struck out Brian Dozier, who homered earlier off a very effective Michael Pineda, for his 15th save in 16 tries. The 100 mph fastball that ended it was the only pitch Chapman threw that reached triple digits - after his first 10 on Friday night were all 100 mph or more on the scoreboard.

In the eighth, pinch-runner Aaron Hicks advanced to third on Brian McCann's single off Ryan Pressly (2-4), and Castro singled sharply to the left of Escobar one out later.

BLUE JAYS 10, WHITE SOX 8

CHICAGO (AP) - The White Sox tied a team record with seven home runs, but it wasn't enough as Edwin Encarnacion drove in four runs, Devon Travis homered and Toronto held on for the win.

All seven homers were solo shots. Brett Lawrie became the first White Sox player since Ron Santo in 1974 to hit inside-the-park and over-the-wall homers in the same game, and Chicago hit three straight home runs in the second inning.

Dioner Navarro, J.B. Shuck, Tim Anderson, Alex Avila and Adam Eaton all went deep for the White Sox, who matched the club record for homers set at the Kansas City Athletics on April 23, 1955.

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (5-8) matched a career high by allowing four home runs. He gave up five runs - four earned - and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Roberto Osuna gave up Eaton's homer in the ninth before earning his 15th save.

Miguel Gonzalez (1-3) gave up eight runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

METS 1, BRAVES 0, 11 INNINGS

ATLANTA (AP) - Pinch-hitter Kelly Johnson lined a leadoff home run in the 11th inning and New York outlasted Atlanta.

Johnson pulled a pitch from Dario Alvarez (1-1) into the first row of the right-field seats for his third homer.

Johnson began the year with the Braves before he was traded to the Mets on June 8. Alvarez was claimed off waivers from the Mets by the Braves in late May.

The homer was the first extra-base hit of a game that began as a terrific duel between Jacob deGrom and Julio Teheran. They each threw eight scoreless innings.

Addison Reed (2-2) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the Mets, who now trail first-place Washington by two games in the NL East.

Jeurys Familia worked the 11th for his majors-leading 26th save in 26 chances.

PADRES 3, REDS 0

CINCINNATI (AP) - Drew Pomeranz drove in a pair of runs and pitched seven innings, leading San Diego in a game delayed a few minutes by the Cincinnati Reds' tribute to Pete Rose.

Pomeranz hit his second career homer and had an RBI single against left-hander Brandon Finnegan (3-6). The Padres have won the first three games of the series, improving to 12-3 against the Reds over the last three seasons.

The Reds inducted Rose into their Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony that included his Big Red Machine teammates and went six minutes long. During a session with the media, Rose joked about taking volunteers for the Reds' beleaguered bullpen, which is by far the worst in the majors.

Pomeranz (7-7) gave up three hits, walked one and struck out six, including the last three batters he faced on a humid, 87-degree afternoon. Fernando Rodney retired the side in the ninth, completing a four-hitter while getting his 17th save in 17 chances.

ORIOLES 5, RAYS 0, 1st game; ORIOLES 8, RAYS 6, 2nd game

BALTIMORE (AP) - Matt Wieters hit two homers, and Baltimore rallied from four runs down in the second game to complete a doubleheader sweep and extend Tampa Bay's losing streak to 10 games.

Adam Jones and Chris Davis also homered for the AL East-leading Orioles, who trailed 4-0 in the third inning and 6-3 in the fifth.

Orioles starter Chris Tillman gave up six runs and 10 hits in five innings before Baltimore's comeback kept the right-hander unbeaten in 13 starts since April 14.

Wieters hit a two-run shot in the fourth, Jones connected in the fifth and Davis led off the sixth with his 17th homer to get the Orioles to 6-5. Baltimore took its first lead in the seventh. Jones hit an RBI single off Erasmo Ramirez (7-6) and Davis greeted Xavier Cedeno with a run-scoring single.

Wieters connected again leading off the eighth.

T.J. McFarland (2-2) pitched two scoreless innings, Brad Brach worked the eighth and Zach Britton got three outs for his 23rd save.

The first game of the day-night doubleheader was dominated by Kevin Gausman (1-5), who earned his first win in 13 starts since last September. He allowed four hits in 7 2/3 innings.

Matt Andriese (6-1) gave up two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings for Tampa Bay. The right-hander was unbeaten in 10 starts since last June 22.

INDIANS 6, TIGERS 0

DETROIT (AP) - Francisco Lindor homered twice and Carlos Carrasco pitched a four-hitter to lead Cleveland to its eighth consecutive win.

The Indians also improved to 8-0 against the Tigers this year, outscoring them 51-16.

It was the first career multihomer game for the 22-year-old Lindor, and Carlos Santana and Yan Gomes also went deep for AL Central-leading Cleveland.

The Indians spoiled Anibal Sanchez's return to the Detroit rotation. The right-hander allowed a homer to Santana on the game's second pitch, and Lindor added another solo shot one out later.

Carrasco (3-2) struck out seven and walked one. He threw a season-high 117 pitches in his third career shutout and first of the year.

Sanchez (4-8) made his first start since May 31 after being demoted to the bullpen for a bit. He allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.

MARLINS 9, CUBS 6

MIAMI (AP) - Justin Bour and Giancarlo Stanton each drove in three runs, Paul Clemens got his first big league win in more than three years and Miami erased an early deficit to beat Chicago.

Bour hit his 14th home run for the Marlins, who got to 40 wins in 75 games - or 20 games faster than they did a year ago. Ichiro Suzuki's infield single in the fifth sparked what became a four-run inning that put Miami ahead for good.

The Cubs lost for the fifth time in six games.

Clemens (1-0) trailed 4-1 early but settled down and gave Miami five innings of four-run ball. It was his first win since June 12, 2013, and A.J. Ramos got the last two outs for his 24th save.

Addison Russell hit a three-run homer and Miguel Montero added a solo homer for the Cubs.

Chicago starter John Lackey (7-4) gave up a season-high seven runs in 4 1/3 innings.

BREWERS 6, NATIONALS 5

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Chris Carter hit a three-run homer, Matt Garza pitched six innings for this first win of the season, and Milwaukee beat Washington.

Carter connected for his 19th homer with two out in the first. Jonathan Villar had three hits for Milwaukee, including an RBI single in the second.

Garza (1-0) gave up four runs and seven hits in his third start of the year. He was sidelined for the first two months of the season by a back injury.

Washington left-hander Gio Gonzalez (3-7) pitched a season-low three innings in his sixth consecutive loss. He was charged with six runs and six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

PHILLIES 3, GIANTS 2

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Cameron Rupp chased Madison Bumgarner with a two-run homer in Philadelphia's three-run seventh inning, helping the Phillies beat San Francisco.

Andres Blanco singled in Tommy Joseph before Rupp connected for his seventh homer. Joseph had two hits for Philadelphia, which had lost 10 of 11.

Bumgarner (8-4) carried a two-hitter into the seventh and then allowed three hits to the first four batters he faced in the frame, including Rupp's shot over wall in center. The left-hander struck out seven and walked one.

Bumgarner allowed more than two earned runs in a game for the first time since giving up four to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 15, a span of 12 starts.

Jeremy Hellickson (5-6) gave up two runs and five hits in six innings for the Phillies.

ROCKIES 11, DIAMONDBACKS 6

DENVER (AP) - Tony Wolters hit his first major league home run and drove in four runs, helping Colorado beat Arizona.

Wolters hit a two-run double in the fourth off Shelby Miller and a two-run homer in the sixth that boosted Colorado's lead to 7-1.

DJ LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon also homered for the Rockies, who stopped a three-game losing streak.

Jorge De La Rosa (5-4) improved to 9-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 13 Coors Field starts against Arizona, allowing one run, six hits and five walks in six innings. Gonzalez Germen got four outs for his first save this season.

Miller (2-7) gave up seven runs and 11 hits in six innings, raising his ERA to 6.79.

PIRATES 6, DODGERS 1

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Andrew McCutchen homered twice, Jeff Locke took a perfect game into the sixth inning, and Pittsburgh beat Los Angeles for the second straight night.

McCutchen had a solo shot in the fourth inning for the game's first hit and then a three-run shot to start a five-run sixth that increased the Pirates' lead to 6-0.

McCutchen raised his season total to 12 home runs with his 11th career multi-homer game - second this year. The nine-year veteran's batting average had dropped to .239 after going 9 for 49 (.184) with 16 strikeouts in his previous 13 games.

Locke (7-5) retired his first 15 batters before consecutive doubles by Scott Van Slyke and A.J. Ellis to start the sixth inning. Locke allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, striking out three and walking none.

Kenta Maeda (6-5) gave up four runs and four hits in five-plus innings.

ASTROS 13, ROYALS 5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Jose Altuve went 4 for 5, including a home run and two doubles, and Houston won its seventh straight.

Altuve drove in three runs and scored three runs. He is hitting .417 with a .484 on-base percentage while reaching base in 27 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the major leagues.

Marwin Gonzalez, Altuve and Carlos Correa, the Astros' two-three-four hitters, combined to go 8 for 15 with seven RBIs, six runs and two homers. Altuve and Correa hit consecutive homers in a seven-run second.

Michael Feliz (5-1) won despite allowing two runs and three hits in 1 2/3 innings. Astros starter Mike Fiers, staked to a 9-1 lead in the fourth, was removed after 4 1/3 innings. He gave up three runs, nine hits and three walks and also a hit batter.

Chris Young (2-7) yielded seven runs, seven hits and four walks in 2 1/3 innings, raising his ERA to 6.54.

RANGERS 10, RED SOX 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Elvis Andrus had a bases-loaded triple and Ian Desmond homered again to lead Texas.

Desmond's 13th homer, his sixth in June, tied the game leading off the fourth. Mitch Moreland had a tiebreaking two-run single later in the inning to put the Rangers ahead to stay.

Andrus cleared the bases with his triple to the wall in left-center that chased knuckleballer Steven Wright (8-5) in the fifth. Andrus scored on a wild pitch by Robbie Ross Jr., capping a five-run inning when all the runs were unearned after two errors and a passed ball.

Cesar Ramos (2-3), the third Texas pitcher, pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings. The lefty struck out consecutive batters after taking over with runners and second and third, and one out in the sixth.

Mets sign SS Jose Reyes to minor-league contract

"The Line Drive" Staff Report

Jose Reyes

NEW YORK – The New York Mets officially signed SS Jose Reyes to a minor-league contract on Saturday. Reyes will report to the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Mets originally signed Reyes in 1999.

Reyes was arrested on Oct. 31 after a physical altercation with his wife, Katherine at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea, Hawaii.

The MLB suspended Reyes without pay through May 31 for violating its domestic abuse policy.

The Colorado Rockies then placed Reyes on waivers Thursday to grant him his release, and Reyes became a free agent Saturday.

After completing the suspension, Reyes appeared in nine games with Triple-A Albuquerque, hitting .303 with 2 home runs, 2 RBIs and 3 steals in 33 at-bats. Still, the Rockies designated him for assignment last week.

The Rockies are responsible for the remaining $39 million owed to Reyes, minus a prorated portion of the $507,500 MLB minimum that the Mets would pick up.

Reyes played nine seasons for the Mets from 2003 to 2011, batting .292 with 81 home runs and 423 RBIs.

MLB Transactions from June 24, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays signed free agent RHP Mark Eveld to a minor league contract.
Seattle Mariners sent LHP Wade Miley on a rehab assignment to Everett AquaSox.
San Francisco Giants signed free agent LHP Matt Reynolds to a minor league contract.
Seattle Mariners optioned Norichika Aoki to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners selected the contract of Wade LeBlanc from Tacoma Rainiers.
Los Angeles Angels optioned Nick Tropeano to Salt Lake Bees.
Los Angeles Angels activated RHP Nick Tropeano from the 15-day disabled list.
Minnesota Twins sent RF Miguel Sano on a rehab assignment to Rochester Red Wings.
Arizona Diamondbacks placed CF Socrates Brito on the 15-day disabled list. Right toe fracture.
New York Yankees signed LHP Trevor Lane.
Seattle Mariners placed RHP Adrian Sampson on the 15-day disabled list. Right flexor bundle strain.
San Diego Padres sent Hector Sanchez outright to El Paso Chihuahuas.
Milwaukee Brewers activated 3B Hernan Perez from the paternity list.
Arizona Diamondbacks recalled Brandon Drury from Reno Aces.
Seattle Mariners optioned RHP Tom Wilhelmsen to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners transferred RHP Tony Zych from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Rotator cuff tendinitis in right shoulder.
Seattle Mariners selected the contract of RHP Donn Roach from Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners recalled David Rollins from Tacoma Rainiers.
Detroit Tigers sent Wynton Bernard outright to Erie SeaWolves.
Chicago White Sox signed C Zack Collins.
Baltimore Orioles activated 3B Manny Machado.
Philadelphia Phillies recalled RHP Edubray Ramos from Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Philadelphia Phillies placed RHP Andrew Bailey on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 23, 2016. Left hamstring strain.
Atlanta Braves signed free agent C Jordan Pacheco to a minor league contract.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned Darrell Ceciliani to Buffalo Bisons.
Toronto Blue Jays selected the contract of Junior Lake from Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets signed free agent LHP Darin Gorski to a minor league contract.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated CF Will Venable for assignment.
Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Nick Tepesch from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Pittsburgh Pirates designated 2B Cole Figueroa for assignment.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Jacob Stallings to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of Adam Frazier from Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates designated RHP Jorge Rondon for assignment.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated RHP Juan Nicasio from the restricted list.
Cincinnati Reds optioned Kyle Waldrop to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds activated RHP Blake Wood from the paternity list.
Boston Red Sox recalled Bryce Brentz from Pawtucket Red Sox.
Tampa Bay Rays designated RHP Andrew Bellatti for assignment.
Minnesota Twins traded LF Oswaldo Arcia to Tampa Bay Rays for Player To Be Named Later.
Boston Red Sox placed LF Chris Young on the 15-day disabled list. Strained right hamstring.
Oakland Athletics sent LHP Sean Manaea on a rehab assignment to Stockton Ports.

Baseball Capsules (June 25, 2016)

NEW YORK (AP) Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman combined for three innings of perfect relief for the second straight game, Rob Refsnyder hit a tiebreaking single and the New York Yankeestook advantage of three errors to rally past the Minnesota Twins 5-3 Friday night.

Masahiro Tanaka (5-2) beat the Twins for the second time in seven days, allowing three runs and seven hits in six innings.

New York's ''No Runs DMC'' relief trio improved to 11-0 when all appearing together, with Chapman striking out three batters on 11 strikes - for his 14th save in 15 chances. His first 10 pitches were all 100 mph or more on the scoreboard before freezing Kurt Suzuki with a changeup for a called third strike.

Making his first big league start since April 25, Tommy Milone (0-2) allowed four runs - three earned - six hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

INDIANS 7, TIGERS 4

DETROIT (AP) - Jason Kipnis hit two of Cleveland's four triples and the Indians continued their season-long dominance of Detroit.

The Indians are now 7-0 against the Tigers this season. Detroit had won 16 of 20 at home and was coming off a four-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.

Danny Salazar (9-3) struggled with his command, walking five in 5 2/3 innings, but held the Tigers to three runs on four hits.

Jordan Zimmermann (9-5) allowed seven runs on nine hits in a season-worst 3 2/3 innings. After posting a 1.50 ERA in his first seven starts, Zimmermann has allowed at least six runs in four of his last seven.

WHITE SOX 3, BLUE JAYS 2

CHICAGO (AP) - Melky Cabrera homered, Todd Frazier drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the seventh, and Chicago beatToronto.

The White Sox started a six-game homestand on a winning note after taking three of four at Boston, while the Blue Jayslost for the fourth time in five games.

Cabrera drove a solo homer off Aaron Sanchez in the fifth and finished with three hits against his former team.

Frazier broke a 2-2 tie with a sharp single to left with two outs in the seventh against Jesse Chavez (4-2) after Tim Anderson led off with a double under third baseman Josh Donaldson's glove.

David Robertson escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth for his 19th save in 21 chances. He struck out Edwin Encarnacion swinging at a low 3-2 fastball and retired Michael Saunders on a popup to end the game.

Nate Jones (3-2) worked a scoreless inning in relief. Carlos Rodon gave up two runs and six hits while pitching into the sixth.

ORIOLES 6, RAYS 3

BALTIMORE (AP) - Adam Jones homered to start a four-run sixth inning, and Baltimore handed Tampa Bay its eighth straight loss.

Manny Machado marked his return from a four-game suspension by hitting his 18th home run in the eighth for the Orioles. Machado received the suspension for charging Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura on June 7.

After falling into an early 3-0 hole, the Orioles finally got their first baserunner against Matt Moore (3-5) in the fifth inning and turned the game around in the sixth.

Jones got the AL East-leaders within a run with his 14th homer, Chris Davis added a two-run single and a Tampa Bay throwing error made it 5-3.

Rookie Ashur Tolliver (1-0) got two outs in the sixth to earn his first major league win and Zach Britton worked the ninth for his 22nd save.

Corey Dickerson homered for the last-place Rays.

PADRES 13, REDS 4

CINCINNATI (AP) - Wil Myers drove in five runs and Melvin Upton Jr. hit a pair of two-run homers as San Diego scored in each of the first eight innings and spoiled the start of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine weekend.

The National League's top-scoring team in June kept at it, hitting four homers. San Diego is averaging 5.86 runs in the month.

Myers had a solo shot off Cody Reed (0-1) in the first, singled home a run and had a bases-loaded double. Adam Rosales also had a solo homer.

Colin Rea (4-3) got the win by going five innings and allowing four runs, only one earned.

The Reds honored their 1976 World Series championship team on the field pregame, and players wore throwback uniforms to the days of the Big Red Machine. Pete Rose, who will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame and have his No. 14 officially retired over the weekend, was the last player introduced.

PIRATES 8, DODGERS 6

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Matt Joyce homered and doubled among his three hits as Pittsburgh snapped Los Angeles' six-game winning streak and gave Pirates manager Clint Hurdle his 1,000th career victory.

Joyce drove in two runs while filling in for right fielder Gregory Polanco, who sat out with lower leg discomfort. Jung Ho Kang also homered as the Pirates won for just the third time in 16 games.

Dodgers rookie shortstop Corey Seager had four hits to extend his hitting streak to eight games.

Neftali Feliz (2-0), the fourth of six Pirates pitchers, retired all five batters he faced and Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for his 21st save in 22 opportunities.

Nick Tepesch (0-1) gave up five runs and seven hits in just four innings.

METS 8, BRAVES 6

ATLANTA (AP) - James Loney hit a three-run homer, Travis d'Arnaud drove in three runs and the New York Mets survived Atlanta's six-run fifth inning.

The Mets led 8-0 after Loney's three-run homer in the fifth. Steven Matz almost blew the lead as he allowed six runs on eight hits in the bottom of the inning.

Brandon Snyder hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer and Adonis Garcia had a two-run double in Atlanta's big inning.

Hansel Robles (2-3) threw 2 2/3 perfect innings to stop the Braves' comeback. Jeurys Familia recorded the final four outs for his major league-leading 25th save.

Braves rookie right-hander Aaron Blair (0-5) allowed eight runs and seven hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings, leaving his ERA at 7.99.

CUBS 5, MARLINS 4

MIAMI (AP) - Rookie Willson Contreras homered and drove in three runs to help Chicago snap its season-high four-game losing streak.

Contreras hit a two-run homer in the Cubs' four-run first inning. His RBI single in the seventh put the team with the best record in the majors ahead to stay. He's batting .412 with eight RBIs after seven games in the big leagues.

While Contreras again excelled as a reinforcement for the injury-hampered NL Central leaders, they endured another setback when second baseman Ben Zobrist left the game after he was hit by a pitch on the left ankle.

Four pitchers held the Marlins to two hits, including Justin Bour's grand slam.

Trevor Cahill (1-2) threw a scoreless sixth and Hector Rondon retired all four batters he faced for his second four-out save in a row, and his 13th overall.

Mike Dunn (0-1) retired only one of the five hitters he faced in the seventh.

ASTROS 13, ROYALS 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - George Springer hit a grand slam and a triple in Houston's nine-run first inning against Edinson Volquez, and the Astros routed Kansas City.

Springer finished with five RBIs, and Colby Rasmus had four hits, including a homer in the eighth, scored three runs and drove in two.

Marwin Gonzalez, Carlos Gomez, Jason Castro and Rasmus all had RBI singles in the first off Volquez (7-7), who retired only three of the 15 batters he faced with 12 scoring, ballooning his ERA more than a full run to 5.15. He gave up eight hits and walked three.

Dallas Keuchel (4-9) picked up only his second victory since April 15.

BREWERS 5, NATIONALS 3

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Keon Broxton each hit home runs off Max Scherzer and Milwaukee extended Washington's losing streak to a season-high six games.

Scherzer (8-5) allowed five runs on five hits over six innings. He walked three and struck out 10, throwing 117 pitches.

Jeremy Jeffress hit the first batter in the ninth and then allowed Daniel Murphy's hit with two outs, putting runners at the corners. Wilson Ramos struck out swinging, giving Jeffress his 20th save in 21 chances.

Carlos Torres (1-1) picked up the win with a 1-2-3 sixth.

Nieuwenhuis struck out swinging in the first and third, but then drove a 2-1 pitch from Scherzer well over the wall in right-center for a two-run homer in the sixth.