MLB Transactions from July 30, 2016

Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Zac Curtis to Mobile BayBears.
Texas Rangers sent 3B Matt Duffy outright to Round Rock Express.
Los Angeles Angels designated LF Craig Gentry for assignment.
Los Angeles Angels activated LF Craig Gentry from the 60-day disabled list.
Los Angeles Angels designated LF Daniel Nava for assignment.
Los Angeles Angels activated LF Shane Robinson from the 15-day disabled list.
Arizona Diamondbacks designated 1B Mike Freeman for assignment.
Arizona Diamondbacks designated RHP Josh Collmenter for assignment.
Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of Steve Hathaway from Reno Aces.
Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of Adam Loewen from Reno Aces.
Miami Marlins activated RHP Colin Rea.
Miami Marlins activated RHP Andrew Cashner.
San Diego Padres optioned Keith Hessler to El Paso Chihuahuas.
San Diego Padres activated RHP Jarred Cosart.
New York Mets placed SS Jose Reyes on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27, 2016. Left oblique strain.
New York Mets transferred RHP Matt Harvey from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Thoracic outlet syndrome.
New York Mets signed free agent RF Justin Ruggiano.
Washington Nationals sent RHP Joe Ross on a rehab assignment to Syracuse Chiefs.
Oakland Athletics optioned Brett Eibner to Nashville Sounds.
Kansas City Royals optioned Billy Burns to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Oakland Athletics traded CF Billy Burns to Kansas City Royals for CF Brett Eibner.
Washington Nationals traded LHP Felipe Rivero and LHP Taylor Hearn to Pittsburgh Pirates for RHP Mark Melancon.
Miami Marlins sent 1B Don Kelly outright to New Orleans Zephyrs.
Miami Marlins recalled Brian Ellington from New Orleans Zephyrs.
Miami Marlins optioned RHP Jose Urena to New Orleans Zephyrs.
Washington Nationals recalled RHP Reynaldo Lopez from Syracuse Chiefs.
Oakland Athletics recalled LHP Dillon Overton from Nashville Sounds.
Boston Red Sox sent RHP Craig Kimbrel on a rehab assignment to Pawtucket Red Sox.
San Francisco Giants sent 3B Matt Duffy on a rehab assignment to Sacramento River Cats.
San Francisco Giants designated 2B Ramiro Pena for assignment.
San Francisco Giants activated RF Hunter Pence from the 15-day disabled list.
Seattle Mariners recalled Cody Martin from Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners placed RHP Nathan Karns on the 15-day disabled list. Low back strain.
San Diego Padres traded RF Matt Kemp and cash to Atlanta Braves for LF Hector Olivera.
Oakland Athletics placed LHP Rich Hill on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 20, 2016. Left middle finger blister.

Baseball Capsules (July 31, 2016)

TORONTO (AP) — J.A. Happ won his eighth straight decision, Devon Travis homered and the Toronto Blue Jays used a seven-run fifth inning to beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-1 Saturday and take sole possession of the AL East lead for the first time since early April.

Kevin Pillar had two hits and drove in four runs to match his career high. Major league RBIs leader Edwin Encarnacion drove in his 89th run.

Toronto won for the 16th time in 22 games. It had not been alone atop its division since a 2-0 start. Pedro Alvarez hit a solo homer for the Orioles. They matched a season high by losing their fifth straight and fell a half-game behind the Blue Jays.

Happ (14-3) allowed one run and three hits in seven-plus innings, walked three and matched his season high with 11 strikeouts. Yovani Gallardo (3-3) was the loser.

MARINERS 4, CUBS 1

CHICAGO (AP) — Leonys Martin hit a go-ahead, two-run double off new Chicago closer Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning, lifting Seattle past the Cubs.

Wade Miley (7-8) took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning before allowing Kris Bryant's single and Javier Baez's RBI groundout.

Jake Arrieta (12-5) walked Mike Zunino and Shawn O'Malley starting the eighth, pinch-hitter Luis Sardinas sacrificed against Hector Rondon, and Nori Aoki grounded to third, where Bryant threw out pinch-runner Guillermo Heredia at the plate, a call upheld in a video review.

Making his third appearance for the Cubs since he was acquired from the New York Yankees, Chapman allowed Martin's double to left-center that put Seattle ahead 2-1. Martin stole third and scored on a wild pitch, and Seattle added a run in the ninth. Steve Cishek pitched the ninth for his 25th save.

GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Joe Panik hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning and San Francisco beat Washington to snap a three-game losing streak.

Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer in the third for the Nationals, who couldn't protect an early 3-0 lead hours after acquiring All-Star closer Mark Melancon from Pittsburgh to replace the struggling Jonathan Papelbon.

San Francisco loaded the bases against former Giants reliever Yusmeiro Petit (3-2) with one out in the seventh to bring up Panik. The Giants won for only the third time in 14 games since the All-Star break.

Derek Law (4-1) pitched the seventh for the win. Santiago Casilla pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.

ROCKIES 7, METS 2

NEW YORK (AP) — Jorge De La Rosa earned his 100th career victory and Colorado eventually caught up with Bartolo Colon, beating New York in the rain for their fifth straight win.

The Rockies improved to 12-4 since the All-Star break and won despite losing NL home run leader Trevor Story to a jammed left thumb. He seemed to get hurt on a scrambling slide in the fourth, exited early and X-rays on the rookie shortstop were negative.

On the day the Mets retired Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza's No. 31, the Mets lost their fourth in row. The 43-year-old Colon (9-6) faltered in his first start on three days' rest since 2005, and slugger Yoenis Cespedes left in midgame because of a nagging quad injury.

Colorado retired New York's last 16 batters. Mets manager Terry Collins was ejected in the ninth after umpires overturned their original call and took away a home run from Wilmer Flores, ruling a fan reached over the wall and prevented left fielder David Dahl from making a catch.

DJ LeMahieu drove in three runs and Dahl hit his second homer since making his big league debut this week, helping the Rockies reach .500 for the first time since late May.

De La Rosa (7-7) gave up two runs in six innings. He is 100-82.

ANGELS 5, RED SOX 2

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer, Hector Santiago survived a rocky five innings to win his sixth consecutive start, and Los Angeles beat Boston.

Santiago (10-4) has won seven consecutive decisions, but struggled throughout his latest effort, needing 119 pitches to get through five innings. He gave up only four hits, but walked and struck out six.

Boston's Drew Pomeranz (8-9) gave up five runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

The Red Sox got a leadoff home run from Mookie Betts and added a second run in the first on Hanley Ramirez's RBI single, but couldn't score again. Four relievers held Boston scoreless over the final four innings, with Houston Street earning his ninth save.

RAYS 6, YANKEES 3

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Drew Smyly struck out Alex Rodriguez three times en route to stopping an 11-start winless streak, and Tampa Bay sent New York to its third straight loss.

Smyly (3-11) gave up two runs and four hits in six innings, and Alex Colome worked the ninth to get his 24th save. Tampa Bay is 7-5 since losing 24 of 27.

Rodriguez, out of the starting lineup the previous six games, struck out in all four of his at-bats. The 41-year-old designated hitter has two hits in last 26 at-bats, dropping his season average to .206.

Tampa Bay's Brad Miller hit a solo homer in the first, and Curt Casali had a two-run drive during the third. Tim Beckham made it 6-2 on a two-run shot in the seventh.

Brett Gardner and Chase Headley homered for the Yankees. Nathan Eovaldi (9-7) was the loser.

DIAMONDBACKS 4, DODGERS 2

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Braden Shipley pitched six scoreless innings for his first major league victory and Jean Segura hit a leadoff home run to help Arizona beat Los Angeles.

Shipley (1-1), Arizona's 2013 first-round draft pick, held the Dodgers to five hits in his second career start. The Diamondbacks won for only the third time in 11 games.

Segura hit Scott Kazmir's third pitch of the game over the left-field fence for his fourth leadoff home run of the season. He added an RBI double in the second.

Kazmir (9-4) gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Joc Pederson hit his 15th home run, and second in two nights, with two outs in the ninth inning for Los Angeles. Jake Barrett got the final four outs for his third save.

MARLINS 11, CARDINALS 0

MIAMI (AP) — Christian Yelich and Jeff Mathis each had three hits and drove in two runs in Miami's victory over St. Louis.

Marcell Ozuna hit a two-run home run and Martin Prado had a two-run double for the Marlins. They drew even with the Cardinals at 56-48 for the second NL wild-card spot.

Miami outfielder Ichiro Suzuki remained at 2,998 hits, going 0 for 2 after entering as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning. Suzuki is 2 for 16 on the homestand that concludes Sunday.

David Phelps (5-5) was the winner in relief. St. Louis starter Jaime Garcia (7-8) took the loss.

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a double in the fourth inning.

RANGERS 2, ROYALS 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mitch Moreland homered with two outs in the ninth inning to lift Texas past Kansas City.

Moreland's 17th homer landed in the second deck of seats in right field.

Brooks Pounders (1-1) had gotten the first two outs in the ninth before Moreland homered for the fourth time in five games. He had two homers Thursday night when Texas won 3-2 in the series opener.

Matt Bush (4-2) pitched two scoreless innings, with one strikeout. Both starting pitchers, Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy and Rangers lefty Martin Perez, allowed one run over seven innings.

PADRES 2, REDS 1, 10 INNINGS

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Adam Rosales homered leading off the 10th inning to give San Diego the victory over Cincinnati.

Rosales sent a 2-2 pitch from Jumbo Diaz (0-1) over the fence in left-center field for his eighth homer of the season.

San Diego relievers Ryan Buchter, Brandon Maurer and Brad Hand (3-2) each threw a scoreless inning.

Matt Kemp was in the original lineup before he was scratched shortly before the game. San Diego later announced Kemp had been traded to Atlanta in exchange for Hector Olivera.

TIGERS 3, ASTROS 2

DETROIT (AP) — Jose Iglesias drove in the winning run with an infield single with two outs in the ninth inning to lift Detroit past Houston.

With the Astros up 2-1, Houston closer Will Harris (1-2) retired the first two batters in the ninth but then walked Justin Upton. Tyler Collins singled and James McCann drove him in with another single.

Iglesias then hit a grounder between first and second base. First baseman Jason Castro ranged to his right to field it, but Iglesias beat Harris to the bag while Collins scored.

Justin Verlander (11-6) threw a complete game and allowed two runs on five hits. He struck out 11.

BREWERS 5, PIRATES 3

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Hernan Perez drove in three runs with a two-run homer and an RBI single, lifting the Milwaukee past Pittsburgh after the Pirates dealt closer Mark Melancon to Washington.

Shifted to third in the batting order because Ryan Braun was sidelined by with right-side tightness, Perez hit a two-run homer in the first off rookie Jameson Taillon (2-2).

Chase Anderson (6-10) gave up an unearned run and four hits in five innings, striking out a season-high seven. Jeremy Jeffress pitched the ninth for his 26th save, allowing Jordy Mercer's RBI single.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis also homered for Milwaukee. Gregory Polanco homered for Pittsburgh.

PHILLIES 9, BRAVES 5

ATLANTA (AP) — Jeremy Hellickson pitched into the sixth inning and drove in the go-ahead run with a two-run double to help Philadelphia beat Atlanta.

Atlanta, the majors' worst team, put on a clinic of bad baseball in the eighth while Philadelphia scored four runs without a hit. Hunter Cervenka issued four walks, Ryan Weber hit a batter and two infielders committed an error to bring a chorus of boos from the fans.

Hellickson (8-7) allowed nine hits, three runs and one walk and struck out two in 5 2/3 innings.

Braves starter Julio Teheran (3-9) was the loser.

INDIANS 6, ATHLETICS 3

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez, Abraham Almonte and Mike Napoli homered in Cleveland's victory over Oakland.

Cleveland broke a 2-all tie with a four-run fourth in which Almonte and Napoli homered. The rally came after Oakland's Billy Butler tied the game with a home run in the top of the inning and flipped his bat several feet from home plate, a move the Indians quickly answered.

Josh Tomlin (11-3) allowed two runs in seven innings. Dillon Overton (1-2), recalled from Triple-A Nashville before the game, gave up five runs and 10 hits, including three homers, in 3 1/3 innings.

WHITE SOX 6, TWINS 5, 10 INNINGS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dioner Navarro hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning to drive in Avisail Garcia and lift Chicago past Minnesota.

Garcia led off with a double against Fernando Abad (1-4), and scored easily when Navarro drove a fastball from Abad to the left-field corner.

Michael Ynoa (1-0) worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth for his first win of the season, David Robertson pitched the 10th for his 25th save.

Chicago's Justin Morneau homered and hit an RBI double against his old team. Eduardo Escobar homered for Minnesota.

Nationals recall RHP Reynaldo Lopez

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Lopez returns to the Nationals for the second start of his Major League career, which he will make Saturday afternoon in San Francisco. The 22-year-old made his Major League debut on July 19 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that outing, Lopez struck out nine batters, the second-most by a starting pitcher in his debut in Nationals history (2005-present). Only Stephen Strasburg (14, June 8, 2014 vs. PIT) fanned more in his big league debut.

Following that start Lopez was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse where, on July 24, he tossed his first career shutout. Lopez allowed just four hits while striking out seven as the Chiefs topped the Rochester Red Wings (MIN), 6-0.

In 17 starts between Double-A Harrisburg and Syracuse this season, Lopez is 5-5 with a 2.90 ERA. He leads Washington's Minor League system with 116 strikeouts and, among Minor League pitchers with at least 95.0 innings pitched this season, he ranks fourth in strikeouts-per-nine-innings (10.84).

Lopez entered the 2016 season as the Nationals' No. 5 prospect and the No. 92 prospect in all of baseball, per Baseball America. In their 2016 mid-season update, Baseball America advanced Lopez 44 spots and ranked him as the No. 48 prospect in Minor League Baseball.

A native of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Lopez represented the Nationals at MLB's 2016 Sirius/XM All-Star Futures Game in San Diego earlier this month. In his one inning of work for the World Team, Lopez was clocked as high as 99 mph with his fastball.

Nationals acquire All-Star closer RHP Mark Melancon

The Washington Nationals acquired All-Star right-handed pitcher Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, in exchange for left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero and Minor League left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Melancon, 31, comes to the Nationals on the heels of nearly four seasons as the Pirates closer, in which he's amassed the fourth-most saves in Pirates history (130). A three-time All-Star, the right-hander has saved at least 30 games in each of the last three seasons - including 30 already in 2016 and an MLB-best 51 in 2015. An eight-year Major League veteran whose 414 big league games have spanned stops with the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and the Pirates, Melancon owns a career 2.65 ERA, 151 saves, and 380 strikeouts. Melancon is expected to join the Nationals in San Francisco on Sunday.

The Pirates have not lost a single game in which Melancon has entered into a save situation since April 21, 2015 - a span of 80 games. Since Melancon inherited the full-time closing role in Pittsburgh, taking over for Jason Grilli in mid-July 2013, he has secured more saves than any other pitcher in the Major Leagues (96). Baltimore Orioles closer, Zach Britton, ranks second in that span with 88.

This season, Melancon is 1-1 with 30 saves in 45 games. He has allowed just seven earned runs in 41.2 innings pitched (1.51 ERA), and held opponents to a .205 batting average.

Since the start of the 2014 season, Melancon has converted 92.7 percent of his save opportunities, the third-highest mark in the Major Leagues behind only Britton (92.9%) and Cubs right-hander Aroldis Chapman (93.8%). His 114 saves in that span are the most in MLB.

The 2015 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year, Melancon has pitched in the Wild Card game with the Pirates in each of the last three seasons, including a scoreless frame in 2015 vs. Chicago and in 2014 vs. San Francisco.

Originally a ninth-round selection of the New York Yankees in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Melancon appeared in 15 Major League games for New York before he was acquired by the Astros in 2010, along with utility man Jimmy Paredes, in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Lance Berkman. Melancon was then traded in back-to-back Decembers, going from Houston to Boston in December, 2011, and from Boston to Pittsburgh in December, 2012.

Rivero, 25, is 2-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 96 career games out of the Nationals' bullpen. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, along with catcher Jose Lobaton, just before the start of the 2014 season, Rivero made his Major League debut for Washington on April 17, 2015. He collected three saves and 21 holds while posting 8.82 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of his career in Washington.

Hearn, 21, was selected by the Nationals in the fifth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma Baptist University. The lanky left-hander is 2-5 with a 3.27 ERA in 22 games (15 starts) in his Minor League career. This season he is 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA in 10 games (four starts) for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Nationals and the Single-A Hagerstown Suns.

Royals acquire OF Billy Burns from Oakland for OF Brett Eibner

The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired outfielder Billy Burns from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for outfielder Brett Eibner. Burns is currently at Nashville (AAA) and will be assigned to the Royals' Triple-A affiliate, Omaha.

Burns, 26, has played in each of the last three Major League seasons with the A's and is batting .234 with 11 doubles, four triples, 14 stolen bases and 32 runs scored in 73 games this year. His 14 steals are tied for eighth in the American League. He was optioned to Nashville on July 15 and has played in 10 games with the Sounds, batting .293 with four steals and seven runs scored.

The switch-hitting outfielder finished fifth in last year's Rookie of the Year voting, batting .294 with 18 doubles, nine triples, five homers and 26 stolen bases in 125 games. He led Major League rookies in steals, and multi-hit games (47), while topping American League rookies in hits (153). Burns debuted for the A's in 2014 after being acquired from the Washington Nationals the previous offseason.

RHP Nathan Karns placed on 15-day disabled list

Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto announced that the club has recalled right-handed pitcher Cody Martin from AAA Tacoma, and placed right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns on the 15-day disabled list with a low back strain.

Martin, 26, was 9-6 with a 3.95 ERA (43 ER, 98.0 IP) with 96 strikeouts and 30 walks in 22 games (17 starts) with AAA Tacoma. In one prior stint with Seattle this season, he was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA (1 ER, 4.0 IP) with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk in 2 games with the Mariners this season. Martin earned the win in his Mariners debut, tossing 1.0 scoreless inning while allowing 1 hit on June 2 at San Diego. Seattle originally claimed Martin off waivers from Oakland on Oct. 29, 2015.

Karns, 28, is 6-2 with a 5.15 ERA (54 ER, 94.1 IP) with 101 strikeouts and 45 walks in 22 games (15 starts) with the Mariners this season. Karns was 6-2 with a 4.56 ERA (41 ER, 81.0 IP) in 15 starts. Since moving to the bullpen, Karns has recorded 1 save while posting an 8.78 ERA (13 ER, 13.1 IP) with 17 strikeouts and 7 walks in 7 appearances.

MLB Transactions from July 29, 2016

Texas Rangers optioned Shawn Tolleson to Round Rock Express.
Arizona Diamondbacks sent OF Socrates Brito on a rehab assignment to Visalia Rawhide.
Los Angeles Angels sent Todd Cunningham outright to Salt Lake Bees.
Baltimore Orioles sent Julio Borbon outright to Bowie Baysox.
San Francisco Giants activated SS Eduardo Nunez.
San Francisco Giants optioned Jarrett Parker to Sacramento River Cats.
San Diego Padres recalled Leonel Campos from El Paso Chihuahuas.
San Diego Padres recalled Jose Rondon from San Antonio Missions.
Tampa Bay Rays recalled Nick Franklin from Durham Bulls.
Tampa Bay Rays activated RHP Brad Boxberger from the 15-day disabled list.
Tampa Bay Rays placed LF Oswaldo Arcia on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27, 2016. Right elbow strain.
Tampa Bay Rays placed 1B Logan Morrison on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 28, 2016. Right forearm strain.
San Francisco Giants sent RHP Cory Gearrin on a rehab assignment to Sacramento River Cats.
Tampa Bay Rays sent RHP Alex Cobb on a rehab assignment to Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Tampa Bay Rays sent RHP Alex Cobb on a rehab assignment to Charlotte Knights.
Tampa Bay Rays sent RHP Chase Whitley on a rehab assignment to Montgomery Biscuits.
Atlanta Braves recalled Ryan Weber from Gwinnett Braves.
Baltimore Orioles designated RHP Chaz Roe for assignment.
Baltimore Orioles signed free agent RHP Logan Ondrusek.
Cleveland Indians activated RHP Zach McAllister from the 15-day disabled list.
Cleveland Indians placed RHP Jeff Manship on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27, 2016. Right wrist tendonitis.
New York Yankees sent RHP Conor Mullee on a rehab assignment to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Arizona Diamondbacks sent RHP Zack Greinke on a rehab assignment to AZL D-backs.
Texas Rangers sent RHP Kyle Lohse outright to Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers activated RHP Lucas Harrell.
Miami Marlins optioned Tayron Guerrero to Jacksonville Suns.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned RHP A.J. Schugel to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Steven Brault from Indianapolis Indians.
New York Mets recalled Brandon Nimmo from Las Vegas 51s.
New York Mets placed CF Juan Lagares on the 15-day disabled list. Torn ligament in his left thumb.
Washington Nationals recalled Pedro Severino from Syracuse Chiefs.
Washington Nationals placed C Jose Lobaton on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 20, 2016. Left elbow tendinitis.
Kansas City Royals activated CF Lorenzo Cain from the 15-day disabled list.
Kansas City Royals optioned Brett Eibner to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Miami Marlins designated CF Cole Gillespie for assignment.
Miami Marlins designated 2B Cole Figueroa for assignment.
Houston Astros placed 3B Luis Valbuena on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27, 2016. Right hamstring injury.
Houston Astros recalled Tyler White from Fresno Grizzlies.
Arizona Diamondbacks activated RF David Peralta from the 15-day disabled list.
Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Mike Freeman to Reno Aces.
San Diego Padres traded RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Colin Rea, RHP Tayron Guerrero and cash to Miami Marlins for RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP Carter Capps, RHP Luis Castillo and 1B Josh Naylor.
Chicago Cubs optioned Tommy La Stella to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs activated LF Chris Coghlan from the 15-day disabled list.
Seattle Mariners optioned LHP David Rollins to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners recalled Guillermo Heredia from Tacoma Rainiers.
Colorado Rockies sent LF Gerardo Parra on a rehab assignment to Hartford Yard Goats.
Minnesota Twins optioned Adalberto Mejia to Rochester Red Wings.
Minnesota Twins recalled Jorge Polanco from Rochester Red Wings.
Atlanta Braves optioned Matt Wisler to Gwinnett Braves.
Miami Marlins sent 1B Justin Bour on a rehab assignment to New Orleans Zephyrs.

Baseball Capsules (July 30, 2016)

CHICAGO (AP) Jon Lester recovered from a rut of bad starts, pitching six shutout innings to help the Chicago Cubs rout the Seattle Mariners 12-1 on Friday for their third straight victory.

Jason Heyward and David Ross homered and the NL Central leaders improved to 10-5 since a 1-9 slump.

Seattle lost in its first trip to Wrigley Field since 2007. The Mariners let infielder Luis Sardinas pitch the eighth, and he threw a perfect inning.

Lester (11-4) had lasted just 16 innings over his previous four starts, going 1-1 with a 10.13 ERA. That skid came after he had gone 9-3 with a 2.03 ERA in his first 16 starts. Lester gave up four hits, struck out seven and walked two. He was already done when there was a 74-minute rain delay in the seventh.

Chicago's Kris Bryant reached base all five times he came up. He singled twice, doubled and walked twice. Hisashi Iwakuma (11-7) was the loser.

CARDINALS 11, MARLINS 6

MIAMI (AP) - Tommy Pham homered and drove in three runs in St. Louis' victory overMiami.

Kolten Wong had three hits and drove in two runs and Jeremy Hazelbaker hit a two-run homer for St. Louis. The Cardinals have won four of five and lead the Marlins by a game in the NL wild-card standings.

Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki went 0 for 4 to remain at 2,998 career hits.

Martin Prado homered and drove in three runs, and Marcell Ozuna also homered for the Marlins.

Mike Leake (8-8) was the winner. Jose Urena (1-3) took the loss.

BLUE JAYS 6, ORIOLES 5

TORONTO (AP) - Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki hit solo home runs in the first inning, Marco Estrada snapped a four-start winless streak andToronto beat Baltimore.

Encarnacion reached base three times and scored twice to help the Blue Jays win the opener of a three-game series between the top two teams in the AL East, cutting Baltimore's division lead to a half-game. TheOrioles have lost four straight.

Estrada (6-4) allowed four runs, three earned, and five hits in six innings.

Joaquin Benoit worked the seventh, Jason Grilli gave up Manny Machado's solo home run in the eighth and Roberto Osuna finished for his 22nd save.

Mark Trumbo's two-out double gave Baltimore a 2-0 lead in the top of the first but the Blue Jays answered with a trio of solo shots in the bottom half against Kevin Gausman (2-8).

ROCKIES 6, METS 1

NEW YORK (AP) - Tyler Chatwood kept winning on the road, Carlos Gonzalez homered and drove in four runs and Colorado beat New York for its fourth straight victory.

Mark Reynolds also homered for the surging Rockies. They are 11-4 since the All-Star break and have moved within four games of Miami for the second NL wild-card spot.

Chatwood (10-6) improved to 6-0 with a 1.30 ERA away from Coors Field this season. The 26-year-old is 4-6 with a 5.69 ERA at home.

Gonzalez matched a season-high hitting streak of 11 games with an RBI double in the first. He hit a 448-foot, three-run drive in the ninth for his 21st homer.

Steven Matz (8-7) was the loser.

RANGERS 8, ROYALS 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Rougned Odor homered twice, and A.J. Griffin pitched into the sixth inning in Texas' victory over Kansas City.

Jurickson Profar also went deep for theRangers, and scored three runs.

Odor hit a solo homer in the first that put AL West-leading Texas up 3-0 against Edinson Volquez (8-9). That 443-foot drive into the second deck of seats in right field came a night after Odor's 465-footer that is the longest in his career. He had another solo shot in the seventh, his 21st of the season barely clearing the 8-foot wall in right.

Griffin (4-1) struck out one and walked two in 5 2-3 innings.

Eric Hosmer homered for the defending World Series champion Royals. They dropped 10 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.

BREWERS 3, PIRATES 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Junior Guerra limited Pittsburgh to four hits over 8 2/3 innings, and Chris Carter hit a two-run home run in Milwaukee's victory.

The Pirates managed Andrew McCutchen's RBI groundout off Guerra (7-2), who departed with two on and two outs in the ninth. Jeremy Jeffress got Jung Ho Kang to ground out to third on one pitch to record his 25th save in 26 chances.

Guerra's scoreless streak was snapped at 20 innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Pirates rookie Steven Brault (0-1) gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings.

INDIANS 5, ATHLETICS 3

CLEVELAND (AP) - Abraham Almonte scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in Cleveland's four-run seventh inning in the Indians' comeback victory over Oakland.

Cleveland erased a 3-1 deficit after being held to four hits through six innings. Jason Kipnis' bases-loaded single tied it, and Almonte scored from third on Ryan Dull's wild pitch one batter later.

Carlos Santana homered in the sixth for Cleveland.

Cody Anderson (2-4) pitched a scoreless seventh. Cody Allen worked out of ninth-inning trouble for 20th save. Kendall Graveman (7-7) was the loser.

Josh Reddick and Khris Davis hit back-to-back homers in the sixth for Oakland.

TIGERS 14, ASTROS 6

DETROIT (AP) - Tyler Collins and Justin Upton each hit a three-run homer, helping Detroit beat Houston for its fourth straight victory.

James McCann added a solo shot in the eighth and Cameron Maybin had three hits and scored three times. Jose Altuve and Jake Marisnek homered for Houston. The Astros lost for the third time in four games.

Matt Boyd (2-2) allowed three runs on four hits in five innings. He walked one while striking out six. Collin McHugh (7-7) didn't make it out of the second inning.

RAYS 5, YANKEES 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Jake Odorizzi pitched masterfully into the seventh inning, Logan Forsythe and Corey Dickerson hit solo homers in the first, and Tampa Bay Rayscooled off New York.

The Yankees had won eight of 11 to close within 3 1/2 games of Boston for the second AL wild card.

Odorizzi (5-5) struck out five and allowed six hits over 6 2/3 innings. Alex Colome entered with two on and one out in the ninth, and got two straight outs for his 23rd save.

Ivan Nova (7-6) gave up five runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings.

TWINS 2, WHITE SOX 1, 12 INNINGS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Pinch-hitter Joe Mauer drew a bases-loaded walk with one out in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift Minnesota over Chicago.

Dan Jennings (4-3) hit Eddie Rosario with a full-count pitch to lead off the 12th. One out later, Byron Buxton walked. Reliever Tommy Kahnle then came on and walked Brian Dozier and Mauer to push across the winning run. Trevor May (2-2) pitched a perfect 12th.

Adam Eaton put the White Sox on the board early when he led off the game with a long home run to right-center field. After that, however, only one White Sox runner reached second base against Nolasco.

Kennys Vargas drove in a run with a blooper to short right field in the sixth. However, Miguel Sano, who had doubled, ran through a stop sign at third base and Eaton's throw easily beat him to the plate.

BRAVES 2, PHILLIES 1

ATLANTA (AP) - Tyrell Jenkins earned his first career victory, pitching six innings and helping the Atlanta beat Philadelphia.

Jenkins, acquired in the November 2014 trade that sent Jason Heyward to St. Louis, began the game with a 6.43 ERA and 26 baserunners allowed in his first three career starts, a span of 14 innings.

Jenkins (1-2) did a lot better against the Phillies, allowing one unearned run on four hits and four walks. He struck out four.

Jim Johnson, the fourth Atlanta pitcher, earned his fifth save in eight chances. Vince Velasquez (8-3) gave up seven hits, two runs, two walks and struck out five in six innings.

MLB Transactions from July 28, 2016

Boston Red Sox sent RHP Sean O'Sullivan on a rehab assignment to Pawtucket Red Sox.

Detroit Tigers sent LHP Daniel Norris on a rehab assignment to Erie SeaWolves.

Miami Marlins activated 2B Dee Gordon from the restricted list.

Miami Marlins designated 1B Don Kelly for assignment.

Chicago White Sox activated LHP Chris Sale.

Chicago White Sox optioned RHP Anthony Ranaudo to Charlotte Knights.

Philadelphia Phillies activated CF Aaron Altherr from the 60-day disabled list.

Los Angeles Dodgers sent LHP Brett Anderson on a rehab assignment to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Philadelphia Phillies placed RF Peter Bourjos on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27, 2016. Right shoulder sprain.

Baltimore Orioles sent Henry Urrutia outright to Bowie Baysox.

Atlanta Braves selected the contract of RHP Jose Ramirez from Gwinnett Braves.

Atlanta Braves recalled Matt Marksberry from Gwinnett Braves.

Kansas City Royals sent LHP Mike Minor on a rehab assignment to Omaha Storm Chasers.

Texas Rangers optioned Nick Martinez to Round Rock Express.

Texas Rangers activated LHP Dario Alvarez.

Los Angeles Angels sent LF Shane Robinson on a rehab assignment to Inland Empire 66ers.

Los Angeles Dodgers sent LF Enrique Hernandez on a rehab assignment to Tulsa Drillers.

Kansas City Royals placed RHP Luke Hochevar on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 25, 2016. Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Kansas City Royals recalled Brooks Pounders from Omaha Storm Chasers.

San Francisco Giants designated 2B Grant Green for assignment.

Cincinnati Reds activated RHP Homer Bailey from the 60-day disabled list.

Cincinnati Reds transferred RHP Caleb Cotham from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Knee injury.

Cincinnati Reds optioned RF Kyle Waldrop to Louisville Bats.

St. Louis Cardinals sent 1B Brandon Moss on a rehab assignment to Springfield Cardinals.

San Francisco Giants placed LHP Josh Osich on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 24, 2016. Left forearm strain.

San Francisco Giants selected the contract of LHP Matt Reynolds from Sacramento River Cats.

Minnesota Twins traded SS Eduardo Nunez to San Francisco Giants for LHP Adalberto Mejia.

Baseball Capsules (July 29, 2016)

CHICAGO (AP) Chris Sale returned from his jersey-trashing suspension and threw six effective innings, but John Lackey outpitched him and Aroldis Chapman got the final four outs to save the Cubs' 3-1 victory over the White Sox in Chicago's rivalry series Thursday night.

Sale (14-4) was greeted with smiles and hugs from his teammates following a five-day ban for tearing up 1976-style uniforms he didn't want to wear before his previous scheduled start. He had command issues, but worked out of trouble while allowing two runs and six hits.

Lackey (8-7) allowed one run in six innings for his first win since June 8. Chapman, in his second appearance since being acquired from the Yankees, struck out two and consistently hit 102 mph in his first save for his new team.

Kris Bryant, who homered against Sale in the All-Star Game, hit an RBI double off the center field wall in the first inning. Ben Zobrist added an RBI single in the third and doubled and scored in the eighth as the Cubs earned a split of the four-game series and spoiled Sale's night.

The lefty was scratched from his start Saturday, sent home and then suspended five days for cutting up a number of collared throwback jerseys the team was supposed to wear for the game. Sale said they were uncomfortable and became enraged when the team wouldn't switch them out.

ANGELS 2, RED SOX 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Hanley Ramirez's throwing error to the plate on Daniel Nava's bases-loaded grounder allowed two runs to score, and Los Angeles walked off with a stunning victory over Boston.

The Angels rallied in the ninth against Boston closer Brad Ziegler (2-5), loading the bases with one out on singles by Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Andrelton Simmons.

Pinch-hitter Nava then poked a potential game-ending grounder to first, but Ramirez put his throw past catcher Sandy Leon, allowing Trout and pinch-runner Ji-Man Choi to end it.

Ziegler, who also lost Wednesday when he gave up a ninth-inning homer by Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, blew his third save of the season.

Cam Bedrosian (2-0) pitched the ninth for Los Angeles.

Ziegler and Ramirez wasted eight innings of seven-hit ball from David Price. The $217 million left-hander outdueled Jered Weaver, who pitched six-hit ball into the sixth inning.

NATIONALS 4, GIANTS 2

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Ryan Zimmerman had two hits and scored a run, Trea Turner added two hits and an RBI and Washington beat San Francisco in the opener of a key four-game series between division leaders.

Bryce Harper doubled in a run while Anthony Rendon had two hits to help the Nationals beat All-Star Game starter Johnny Cueto (13-3) in manager Dusty Baker's return to AT&T Park. Baker won 840 games as the Giants manager from 1993-2002.

San Francisco scored a run in the ninth to pull within 4-2 before Shawn Kelley struck out Angel Pagan with the bases loaded to end it and get his fifth save.

The two teams went into the game with identical 59-42 records before Washington won to join the Chicago Cubs (61-40) as the only teams in the majors with at least 60 wins.

Nationals starter Tanner Roark (10-6) allowed one run over seven innings, striking out three and walking three.

CARDINALS 5, MARLINS 4

MIAMI (AP) - Aledmys Diaz homered, doubled and drove in three runs against childhood pal Jose Fernandez, helping St. Louis beat Miami.

Fernandez gave up five runs in five innings and fell to 26-2 at Marlins Park.

Miami's Dee Gordon, the 2015 NL batting and stolen bases champion, returned from an 80-game suspension for failing a drug test and went 0 for 4. Ichiro Suzuki doubled as a pinch hitter in the seventh for Miami and needs two hits for 3,000.

Diaz and Matt Holliday homered in the third inning against Fernandez (12-5), who had never previously given up more than one homer in a home game. His only other loss at Marlins Park came on opening day this year against Detroit.

Michael Wacha (6-7) allowed three runs in six innings, and three relievers completed an eight-hitter. Seung Hwan Oh pitched around a one-out single in the ninth for his seventh save.

Diaz and Fernandez were neighbors growing up in Santa Clara, Cuba, and the Cardinals enjoyed their reunion. Fernandez walked Jeremy Hazelbaker to start the third inning, and Diaz followed with his 14th homer. Two batters later, Holliday hit his 18th homer just inside the right-field foul pole, prompting a rueful grin from Fernandez. The outing was his shortest since May 4.

ROCKIES 2, METS 1

NEW YORK (AP) - New York closer Jeurys Familia stumbled for a second straight game, allowing two runs in the ninth inning in a loss that handed Colorado its seventh victory in eight games.

Less than 24 hours after Familia's streak of 52 consecutive regular-season saves was snapped, the right-hander entered in the top of the ninth with a 1-0 lead, and couldn't hold it.

Trevor Story had a leadoff single and stole second. After fellow rookie David Dahl walked, Daniel Descalso bunted up the first base line. Mets catcher Rene Rivera watched as the ball spun toward foul territory but it stopped fair, loading the bases with no out.

With one out, Familia (2-3) got pinch-hitter Cristhian Adames to hit a slow grounder to the right side. First baseman James Loney booted the ball and Story scored to make it 1-all. Familia then threw a wild pitch, allowing Dahl to cross the plate with the go-ahead run.

Jordan Lyles (3-3) pitched a scoreless eighth for the Rockies, and closer Carlos Estevez had a perfect ninth for his 11th save.

RANGERS 3, ROYALS 2

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Mitch Moreland's second homer of the game broke a tie in the eighth inning and Cole Hamels earned his 12th win of the season in Texas' victory over Kansas City.

Hamels (12-2) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings, matching his longest start of the season. Sam Dyson earned his 21st save in 23 chances, stranding the tying run at third base.

Both homers by the left-handed hitting Moreland were to the opposite field and came off Yordano Ventura (6-9). It was Moreland's 10th career multi-homer game and second of the season. He has five homers in his last 11 hits.

TWINS 6, ORIOLES 2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Rookie Max Kepler continued his midseason surge with a tying home run and finished with two RBIs to help Minnesota beat Baltimore,

The teams were squeezing in a make-up game from a May 9 postponement with Minnesota in the middle of a homestand and Baltimore heading for a weekend series at Toronto.

Kepler hit his 11th home run off reliever Odrisamer Despaigne (0-2) leading off the sixth inning to tie it at 2 after Baltimore starter Ubaldo Jimenez lasted five innings in his first start since July 8. Kepler had an RBI double in four-run seventh.

Ryan Pressly (5-5) combined with two other relievers to allow just two hits the final three innings.

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 5

ATLANTA (AP) - Aaron Altherr and Maikel Franco homered, Aaron Nola won for the first time in eight starts and Philadelphia beat Atlanta.

Altherr returned to the lineup after missing the first 103 games of the season with a broken left wrist. He went 3 for 4 with two RBIs.

Nola (6-9) gave up eight hits, three runs, three walks and struck out five in five innings. Jeanmar Gomez earned his 27th save.

Braves starter Matt Wisler (4-11) gave up three homers and has allowed eight homers in his past four starts, a span of 20 1/3 innings.

BREWERS 6, DIAMONDBACKS 4

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Hernan Perez hit a two-run homer, singled and scored the go-ahead run in the sixth, Zach Davies pitched 6 1/3 innings and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 on Thursday.

Perez, who started at shortstop for benched Jonathan Villar, crushed the first pitch from Robbie Ray (5-10) 458 feet off the facing of the scoreboard in deep center for the two-run homer in the third.

Davies (8-4) allowed three runs -two earned- on six hits. Jeremy Jeffress pitched the ninth for his 24th save. Milwaukee added a run when Kirk Nieuwenhuis homered off Tyler Clippard leading off the eighth.

MLB Transactions from July 27, 2016

San Diego Padres recalled Alexi Amarista from El Paso Chihuahuas.
3B Yangervis Solarte roster status changed by San Diego Padres.
San Diego Padres recalled Buddy Baumann from El Paso Chihuahuas.
Washington Nationals recalled Wilmer Difo from Harrisburg Senators.
Washington Nationals placed 2B Stephen Drew on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 24, 2016. Vertigo-like symptoms.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned RHP Bo Schultz to Buffalo Bisons.
New York Mets optioned Josh Smoker to Las Vegas 51s.
Toronto Blue Jays activated RHP Joaquin Benoit.
St. Louis Cardinals optioned Sam Tuivailala to Memphis Redbirds.
Kansas City Royals sent CF Lorenzo Cain on a rehab assignment to Omaha Storm Chasers.
Chicago White Sox placed 2B Brett Lawrie on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 22, 2016. Strained left hamstring.
Chicago White Sox recalled 3B Carlos Sanchez from Charlotte Knights.
Milwaukee Brewers recalled Michael Blazek from Colorado Springs Sky Sox.
Milwaukee Brewers placed RHP Jacob Barnes on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 26, 2016. Right elbow soreness.
Colorado Rockies activated LHP Chris Rusin from the 15-day disabled list.
Colorado Rockies placed RHP Jason Motte on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 26, 2016. Right rotator cuff strain.
Atlanta Braves traded RHP Lucas Harrell and LHP Dario Alvarez to Texas Rangers for 2B Travis Demeritte.
Texas Rangers designated 3B Matt Duffy for assignment.

Baseball Capsules (July 28, 2016)

CHICAGO (AP) — Javier Baez hit a tiebreaking two-run homer deep into Wrigley's Field's left bleachers in the seventh, Addison Russell added a grand slam in a five-run eighth and the Chicago Cubs beat the White Sox 8-1 on Wednesday night.

Jason Hammel (10-5) allowed one run and five hits while striking out seven in seven innings. Hector Rondon pitched a perfect eighth, and Aroldis Chapman worked a 1-2-3 ninth — striking out Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia — in his Cubs debut.

Baez went deep on a full-count pitch against Anthony Ranaudo (1-1) to chase the right-hander in his White Sox debut. Ranaudo didn't allow a hit until Kris Bryant's solo homer with one out in the sixth tie the score 1-1. Bryant's 26th homer matched his total last season when he was NL Rookie of the Year.

After Ben Zobrist's RBI double in the eighth, Russell followed two hitters later with his 12th homer to help the Cubs end a two-game slide and snap the White Sox's four-game winning streak.

Ranaudo allowed three runs and two hits — both homers — in 6 2/3 innings and smacked an opposite-field homer in the fifth for his first major league hit.

Chapman had 20 saves in 21 chances this season with the Yankees before the Cubs acquired the hard-throwing lefty on Monday for a package of prospects.

REDS 2, GIANTS 1

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jay Bruce homered in his career-high fifth straight game, connecting off Madison Bumgarner in Cincinnati's victory over slumping San Francisco.

Bruce broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning with his sixth homer during his five-game streak and 25th of the season.

The NL West-leading Giants got just four hits and lost for the ninth time in 11 games since the All-Star break. The last-place Reds are 8-4 over that stretch.

Dan Straily (6-6) gave up three hits in 7 2/3 innings, and Tony Cingrani pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save.

Bumgarner (10-6) allowed one earned run and five hits in eight innings, striking out nine. The Giants have lost six of his last eight starts.

Conor Gillaspie hit a solo homer for the Giants in the second. San Francisco left fielder Angel Pagan dropped a flyball in the fifth, setting up Tucker Barnhart's tying sacrifice fly.

NATIONALS 4, INDIANS 1

CLEVELAND (AP) — Stephen Strasburg shut down Cleveland for seven innings and bounced back from his only loss this season, leading Washington past the Indians.

Strasburg (14-1) began the season with 13 straight wins before he was beaten by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 21. The powerful right-hander shook off that blemish, holding the Indians to three hits. Strasburg walked one and struck out seven.

Washington rookie Trea Turner drove in three runs and Daniel Murphy hit his 20th homer off Carlos Carrasco (7-4). Murphy extended his hitting streak to 13 games with the towering shot.

Nationals reliever Blake Treinen stopped Cleveland's threat in the ninth, getting a game-ending double play for his first major league save.

CARDINALS 5, METS 4

NEW YORK (AP) — Yadier Molina and pinch-hitter Kolten Wong each had an RBI double in the ninth inning, and St. Louis rallied past New York to end Jeurys Familia's saves streak at 52 games.

Yoenis Cespedes hit a go-ahead homer off Adam Wainwright to cap a three-run comeback in the seventh that gave the Mets a 4-3 lead. But then Familia, who hadn't blown a regular-season save opportunity since July 30 last year, finally faltered.

Jedd Gyorko drew a one-out walk in the ninth and was replaced by pinch-runner Randal Grichuk. Molina hit the next pitch to deep center field, and Grichuk scored to tie it.

Molina was thrown out at third by Familia (2-2) on pinch-hitter Jeremy Hazelbaker's comebacker, but Hazelbaker stole second and scored when Wong lined a double just inside the left-field line.

Familia's franchise-record saves streak was the third-longest in major league history behind Tom Gordon (54) and Eric Gagne (84). Jonathan Broxton (3-2) threw a scoreless eighth, and Seung Hwan Oh worked the ninth for his sixth save.

RAYS 3, DODGERS 1

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Moore pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer and the Tampa Bay Rays won at Dodger Stadium for the first time.

Luke Maile had an RBI double in a three-run fourth inning to help Tampa Bay wrap up a nine-game West Coast road swing by snapping a four-game skid. The Rays were swept in a three-game series at Chavez Ravine in 2013, the only other time they've visited the Dodgers' hallowed home turf.

Moore (7-7) struck out five and allowed an unearned run. Alex Colome pitched a perfect ninth for his 22nd save in 23 chances. Brandon McCarthy (2-1) lasted just four innings for the Dodgers in his first loss since Sept. 23, 2014.

TIGERS 4, RED SOX 3

BOSTON (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning that bounced off the top of the wall and into Boston's bullpen, lifting Detroit past the Red Sox for a three-game sweep.

James McCann also hit a solo homer, and Victor Martinez had four singles, a walk and drove in two runs for Detroit. The Tigers have won five of seven.

Boston is the last major league team to be swept in a series of any length this season.

Xander Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia had solo homers for the Red Sox. They lost for the fifth time in six games to complete a nine-game homestand at 4-5.

Bruce Rondon (4-2) got one out for the win. Justin Wilson got the final three for his first major league save. Brad Ziegler (0-1) took the loss.

ROCKIES 3, ORIOLES 1

BALTIMORE (AP) — Nick Hundley broke up Dylan Bundy's no-hit bid with a sixth-inning homer, and Colorado used a strong pitching performance by Jon Gray to beat Baltimore.

David Dahl hit his first major league home run in his third game for the Rockies. Colorado took two of three from the AL East leaders, has won six of seven and is 9-4 since the All-Star break.

Manny Machado connected for the Orioles.

Gray (7-4) outpitched Bundy (3-3) in a duel between rookie right-handers. Carlos Estevez got three straight outs for his 10th save.

ATHLETICS 6, RANGERS 4

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Khris Davis homered twice, Coco Crisp also went deep and Oakland beat AL West-leading Texas.

Oakland has won four consecutive series for the first time since May 2014. The A's are 9-4 since the All-Star break.

Crisp's two-run homer in the eighth, on a 99 mph fastball from Matt Bush (3-2), put the A's up 4-3. Davis added another two-run shot, his 25th homer of the season, in the inning.

Ryan Dull (5-2) threw 1 1/3 perfect innings in relief of Sean Manaea. Ryan Madson worked the ninth for his 22nd save. Rangers starter Yu Darvish, winless in his last nine starts against Oakland, stuck out six without a walk and departed with a 3-2 lead after six innings.

Ian Desmond hit his 20th homer for Texas.

MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 1

MIAMI (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer in the first inning to lead a 16-hit attack in Miami's victory over Philadelphia.

Stanton hit his 22nd homer in support of Adam Conley (7-5), who pitched around eight hits and three walks to throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings.

Don Kelly, who began the game 1 for 22 this season, went 3 for 5 with two triples, two RBIs and two runs scored. That raised his average from .045 to .148.

The Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki did not play and remained at 2,997 hits.

Philadelphia rookie Zach Eflin (3-4) was the loser.

PADRES 8, BLUE JAYS 4

TORONTO (AP) — Adam Rosales hit a two-run home run, Alex Dickerson and Brett Wallace each hit solo shots and San Diego beat Toronto to avoid a three-game sweep.

San Diego extended its club-record streak with at least one home run to 25 games. It's the longest run since 2002 Texas set the major league record by homering in 27 straight.

Luis Perdomo (5-4) allowed four runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.

R.A. Dickey (7-12) was the loser. He has surrendered 26 home runs this season, tying Kansas City's Ian Kennedy and Chris Young for most in the majors.

Melvin Upton Jr. made his first start for Toronto after being acquired from San Diego on Tuesday. He went 1 for 4 with a single.

PIRATES 10, MARINERS 1

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Gerrit Cole threw a three-hitter for his first career complete game and slumping Andrew McCutchen had a three-run home run and two other hits in Pittsburgh's victory over Seattle.

Making the 88th start of his four-year career, Cole (6-6) struck six and walked one while winning for the first time since May 20. McCutchen and Jung Ho Kang each had four RBIs to help the Pirates win for the sixth time in nine games.

James Paxton (3-5) was the loser.

ASTROS 4, YANKEES 1

HOUSTON (AP) — Lance McCullers struck out 10 in six innings, Colby Rasmus broke out of a slump with a two-run homer and Houston beat New York.

Rasmus snapped an 0-for-29 skid when he sent an off-speed pitch from Masahiro Tanaka (7-3) into the seats behind the bullpen in right-center field to make it 4-0 with in the third.

McCullers (6-4) allowed five hits and one run and tied a season high by fanning 10 for the second straight game. Ken Giles and Luke Gregerson pitched a scoreless inning each before Will Harris got his 11th save by striking out two in the ninth.

DIAMONDBACKS 8, BREWERS 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Yasmany Tomas hit two home runs, Archie Bradley pitched seven innings and Arizona took advantage of Milwaukee's season-high five errors.

Tomas had his fifth multihomer game of the season. He hit a three-shot off in the first and sliced an 0-2 pitch for a two-run homer in the fifth, both off of Jimmy Nelson (6-9).

Bradley (4-6) allowed one run on four hits, walked three and struck out six.

Brewers right fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis had three errors, and shortstop Jonathan two.

ROYALS 7, ANGELS 5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Raul Mondesi had a bunt single for his first big league hit, with two runs scoring on the play on pitcher Matt Shoemaker's throwing error, and Kansas City beat Los Angeles.

Shoemaker, who did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, yielded singles to Alex Gordon and Paulo Orlando to start the seventh. Mondesi put down a bunt and beat the throw to first as the throw by Shoemaker (5-11) sailed into right field.

Both runners scored and Mondesi wound up on third. Angels manager Mike Scioscia came out claiming interference, and after a review the call on the field stoood. Scioscia officially protested the game.

Joakim Soria (4-4) pitched a scoreless inning for the victory.

BRAVES 9, TWINS 7

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered, doubled and tied a career high with five RBIs and Atlanta held off Minnesota for a two-game sweep.

Freeman went 4 for 4 with a walk. His 18th homer gave the Braves a 7-0 lead in the fourth inning.

The Twins closed to 8-7 in the sixth on an RBI grounder by Joe Mauer. Nick Markakis singled home a run in the Atlanta eighth.

Mike Foltynewicz (4-4) got the win despite giving up seven runs and 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings. Jim Johnson pitched the ninth for his fourth save. Tyler Duffey (5-8) was chased in the second.

Nationals recall INF Wilmer Difo

The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Wilmer Difo from Double-A Harrisburg and placed infielder Stephen Drew on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to July 24) with vertigo-like symptoms on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Difo, 24, joins Washington for his first Major League assignment of the season. In 96 games with Double-A Harrisburg, Difo is hitting .255 with 14 doubles, two triples, five home runs 33 RBI, 33 walks, 26 stolen bases and 55 runs scored.  His 26 stolen bases rank fifth in the Eastern League and are fourth-most among Nationals farmhands. Of his 96 games played this season, 95 have been at shortstop.

A speedy, switch-hitting infielder, Difo entered the 2016 rated as Washington's No. 6 prospect, according to Baseball America. He made his Major League debut in 2015, appearing in 15 games for the Nationals after beginning the season with Single-A Potomac. He advanced to Double-A Harrisburg, before he was recalled to the Nationals on May 19.

In 2014, he was named the South Atlantic League's Most Valuable Player after leading the league with 176 hits while ranking second in total bases (263), second in stolen bases (49), fourth in RBI (90) and fourth in runs scored (91). Following the season, he was awarded the Nationals' "Bob Boone Award," which is granted annually to the Minor League player who demonstrates the professionalism, leadership, loyalty, passion, selflessness, durability, determination and work ethic required to play the game the "Washington Nationals Way."

Drew, 33, is hitting .262 with eight doubles, one triple, seven homers, 17 RBI, nine walks and 14 runs scored in 51 games for the Nationals. He is 6-for-20 (.300) with a triple, three home runs, and six RBI as a pinch hitter this season. Drew's three pinch-hit home runs are tied for second in MLB (along with teammate Chris Heisey). On July 23 vs. San Diego, Drew emerged off the bench after missing several days due to illness and laced a pinch-hit walk-off triple to give Washington the 3-2 victory.

MLB Transactions from July 26, 2016

Baltimore Orioles optioned RF Dariel Alvarez to Norfolk Tides.
San Diego Padres traded LF Melvin Upton Jr. to Toronto Blue Jays for RHP Hansel Rodriguez.
Detroit Tigers sent RF J.D. Martinez on a rehab assignment to Toledo Mud Hens.
St. Louis Cardinals recalled Dean Kiekhefer from Memphis Redbirds.
St. Louis Cardinals recalled Sam Tuivailala from Memphis Redbirds.
St. Louis Cardinals placed RHP Trevor Rosenthal on the 15-day disabled list. Right shoulder inflammation.
Oakland Athletics activated C Stephen Vogt.
Oakland Athletics optioned C Matt McBride to Nashville Sounds.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated C Eric Fryer from the paternity list.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned C Elias Diaz to Indianapolis Indians.
Kansas City Royals recalled Raul Mondesi from Omaha Storm Chasers.
Kansas City Royals optioned Whit Merrifield to Omaha Storm Chasers.
New York Mets recalled LHP Josh Smoker from Las Vegas 51s.
Washington Nationals activated 1B Ryan Zimmerman from the 15-day disabled list.
Oakland Athletics sent RHP Andrew Triggs on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds.
Toronto Blue Jays optioned RHP Ryan Tepera to Buffalo Bisons.
Oakland Athletics recalled J.B. Wendelken from Nashville Sounds.
Oakland Athletics optioned Daniel Mengden to Nashville Sounds.
New York Yankees optioned LHP Chasen Shreve to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
New York Yankees activated RHP Adam Warren.
Anthony Swarzak changed number to 41.
Chicago Cubs activated LHP Aroldis Chapman.
Chicago Cubs designated LHP Clayton Richard for assignment.
Los Angeles Angels recalled Tyler Skaggs from Salt Lake Bees.
Los Angeles Angels designated CF Todd Cunningham for assignment.
Texas Rangers recalled Nick Martinez from Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers recalled 3B Joey Gallo from Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers optioned CF Jared Hoying to Round Rock Express.
Texas Rangers designated RHP Kyle Lohse for assignment.
Baltimore Orioles activated RHP Ubaldo Jimenez.
Baltimore Orioles activated LF Hyun Soo Kim.
Baltimore Orioles designated CF Julio Borbon for assignment.
Tampa Bay Rays sent OF Desmond Jennings on a rehab assignment to Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Arizona Diamondbacks sent OF Socrates Brito on a rehab assignment to AZL D-backs.
Texas Rangers sent CF Drew Stubbs on a rehab assignment to Round Rock Express.
Colorado Rockies sent RHP Justin Miller on a rehab assignment to Albuquerque Isotopes.
Toronto Blue Jays traded RHP Drew Storen and cash to Seattle Mariners for RHP Joaquin Benoit.

Baseball Capsules (July 27, 2016)

CLEVELAND (AP) Francisco Lindor pushed an RBI single through Washington's drawn-in infield with one out in the ninth inning, and the Cleveland Indians rallied for three runs in their final at-bat to stun the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Tuesday night in a matchup of first-place teams with sights on October.

Down two runs and three outs from their losing streak reaching a season-high four games, the Indians rallied against closer Jonathan Papelbon (2-4), who did not get an out before he was pulled by manager Dusty Baker.

With the bases loaded, Lindor fisted his base hit into right field and danced his way up the first-base line as the Indians celebrated an improbable victory.


Bryan Shaw (2-4) got two outs in the ninth and picked up the win as Cleveland won its first home game since July 10.

Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer and Wilson Ramos added a solo shot for the NL East-leading Nationals, just 4-6 since the All-Star break.

CARDINALS 3, METS 2, 1ST GAME

METS 3, CARDINALS 1, 2ND GAME

NEW YORK (AP) - Bartolo Colon pitched three-hit ball for seven sharp innings and New York overcame another home run by Jedd Gyorko to beat St. Louis for a doubleheader split.

Gyorko homered in both ends and has connected seven times in nine games. His two-run shot helped the Cardinals win the opener 3-2.

Colon (9-5) struck out eight and walked none. After Gyorko homered in the second and Alberto Rosario doubled in the third, Colon set down 14 of his final 15 batters.

Jeurys Familia closed for his 36th save this year and 52nd in a row during the regular season.

Asdrubal Cabrera ended his 0-for-32 rut with runners in scoring position with an RBI double and added a sacrifice fly off Jaime Garcia (7-7). Wilmer Flores doubled and singled twice.

In the opener, Gyorko homered off Noah Syndergaard (9-5) for a 3-0 lead.

Carlos Martinez (10-6) gave up a two-run homer to Rene Rivera and left after the fifth inning. Three relievers finished, with Seung Hwan Oh getting his fifth save.

BLUE JAYS 7, PADRES 6, 12 INNINGS

TORONTO (AP) - Devon Travis scored the winning run on a wild pitch, and Toronto rallied for three runs in the 12th inning to beat San Diego.

Matt Kemp put the Padres in front with a two-run homer off Jesse Chavez (1-2) in the top of the 12th, but San Diego's bullpen couldn't hold the lead.

Travis drew a 14-pitch walk to load the bases, bringing Paul Clemens on in relief of Carlos Villanueva (1-2). Clemens walked Jose Bautista to make it 6-5 before Josh Donaldson tied it with a fielder's choice grounder.

With Edwin Encarnacion batting, a pitch bounced away from catcher Derek Norris, and Travis slid in just ahead of the tag as his teammates stormed out of the dugout to celebrate.

It was the second key run to score on a wild pitch: Toronto catcher Russell Martin made it 4-all when he scored on Brad Hand's wild pitch in the seventh.

Donaldson hit a two-run homer and Justin Smoak had a solo shot for the Blue Jays.

Alex Dickerson hit a three-run shot, his third homer in three games, as San Diego extended its club-record streak of games with at least one home run to 24. It's the longest run since the 2002 Texas Rangers set a major league record by homering in 27 straight.

YANKEES 6, ASTROS 3

HOUSTON (AP) - CC Sabathia allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings to get back on track after a tough stretch and help New York over Houston.

Sabathia (6-8) allowed four hits and struck out five to pick up his first win since June 16 after going 0-4 and allowing 31 runs - 29 earned - combined in his past six starts.

Sabathia allowed a solo home run to Marwin Gonzalez in the first inning. But the big lefty settled in after that, allowing only one single over the next five innings.

The Yankees built a five-run lead, thanks in part to a two-run triple by Aaron Hicks, by the time Evan Gattis homered to start Houston's seventh and cut it to 6-2.

Andrew Miller allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his second save since Aroldis Chapman was traded Monday and ninth overall.

Houston starter Doug Fister (10-7) allowed nine hits and six runs, which both tied season highs, in 4 2/3 innings.

Gonzalez added a solo homer in the eighth for his first career multihomer game.

WHITE SOX 3, CUBS 0

CHICAGO (AP) - James Shields allowed four singles in 7 2/3 innings, Adam Eaton homered and the White Sox stayed unbeaten since Chris Sale's suspension.

The Cubs lost their second straight and never got to use new closer Aroldis Chapman hours after he joined the team and struggled answering questions related to an altercation last year with his girlfriend.

Shields (5-12) struck out five and continued an impressive turnaround from a terrible first three starts after being acquired from San Diego last month. Nate Jones finished the eighth and David Robertson worked the ninth for his 24th save in the White Sox's fourth straight win since their ace was sent home for destroying throwback jerseys.

Jose Abreu had two hits, including an RBI single in the first off Kyle Hendricks (9-7) that ended his streak of 22 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

ROCKIES 6, ORIOLES 3

BALTIMORE (AP) - Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story had two RBIs apiece in a four-run third inning, and Colorado beat Chris Tillman to end Baltimore's five-game winning streak.

Seeking to become the first 15-game winner in the majors, Tillman (14-3) gave up six runs and nine hits in five innings.

Adam Jones homered for the Orioles, who were 21-4 at home since the beginning of June. Despite the loss, Baltimore still owns the AL's best record.

Chad Bettis (9-6) won his third straight start, allowing two runs, four hits and three walks in six innings. Colorado is 8-1 in his last nine outings.

Rookie Carlos Estevez got three outs for his ninth save.

TIGERS 9, RED SOX 8

BOSTON (AP) - Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Tyler Collins each had a pair of RBIs and Detroit Tigers roughed up knuckleballer Steven Wright to beat Boston.

Detroit and Boston combined for 22 hits. Alex Wilson (1-0) got the victory, and Francisco Rodriguez closed for his 29th save.

David Ortiz had a three-run home run, but Boston's offense didn't have enough to offset a rare poor outing by Wright, who gave up nine hits and eight runs over 4 2/3 innings. Wright was leading the AL in ERA entering Tuesday.

Robbie Ross Jr. (1-2) got the loss.

ANGELS 13, ROYALS 0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Skaggs pitched seven innings in his first big league start in two years and Yunel Escobar went 5 for 5 to help the Angels to the runaway win.

Kole Calhoun drove in four runs and Carlos Perez had four hits, including a home run. Mike Trout drove in three runs, and Johnny Giavotella had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs.

Escobar matched a career high for hits and the Angels collected 22 overall, equaling their season best.

Skaggs (1-0), who had elbow surgery in August 2014, allowed three singles, struck out five and walked one.

Royals right-hander Dillon Gee (3-4) was charged with five runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings.

The Royals have dropped six of seven to fall three games below .500 for the first time this season.

MARINERS 7, PIRATES 4

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Seattle ace Felix Hernandez settled down after a shaky start and picked up his first victory in more than two months.

Hernandez (5-4) gave up four runs in six innings in his first win since May 21. Steve Cishek worked a perfect ninth for his 24th save.

Kyle Seager's three hits for Seattle included his 20th home run, and Franklin Gutierrez added his 10th off Francisco Liriano (6-10).

Liriano hit his second career home run, a 416-foot shot to center off Hernandez in the second inning. Gregory Polanco collected a season-high four hits, including his 13th homer, but the Pirates went 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

MARLINS 5, PHILLIES 0

MIAMI (AP) — Tom Koehler pitched six innings of three-hit ball, helping Miami to the win.

Ichiro Suzuki made his first start in five games and went 1 for 5, giving him 2,997 career hits. He also stole a base and scored a run.

Giancarlo Stanton and Adeiny Hechavarria each drove in two runs for the Marlins, who were shut out in their previous two games.

Philadelphia right-hander Jerad Eickhoff (6-12) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings. He struck out eight and walked one.

Koehler (8-8) is 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA in four starts against the Phillies this season.

BRAVES 2, TWINS 0

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Lucas Harrell pitched six innings, Adonis Garcia homered and the Braves beat the Twins in a matchup of the worst teams in the majors.

This untimely meeting came nearly 25 years after the Twins beat the Braves in a World Series that's often been mentioned among the most dramatic in history. The 1991 anniversary celebration was marked by Gene Larkin, who had the winning hit in the 10th inning of Game 7, throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

A.J. Pierzynski doubled and scored against his original team. Behind the plate, he helped guide Harrell (2-2) to his first scoreless start in the majors since June 9, 2013.


Minnesota right-hander Ervin Santana (3-9) had little help while logging his second complete game in his last four turns.