Start of Nationals-Mets game delayed by rain

Friday’s showdown between Noah Syndergaard and Stephen Strasburg will need to wait for Mother Nature to cooperate. With a light rain falling at Citi Field leading up to Friday’s scheduled 7:10 p.m. ET start between the Mets and Nationals, grounds crew members kept the tarp on the field even as first pitch approached. The game is scheduled to start at 7:45.

Ausmus sticking to rest plan with veteran K-Rod

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has a set of rules with his closer, Francisco Rodriguez. Ausmus does not bring Rodriguez into a tie game on the road in the ninth inning, or extra innings for that matter. He does not necessarily have to get Rodriguez into a game once every few days, as Jim Leyland used to do with his closer. And, at least for now, Ausmus does not want to bring in Rodriguez for a four-out save.

Pirates promote Bell, option Glasnow to Minors

Josh Bell, Pittsburgh’s No. 3 prospect and 43rd overall per MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday to serve as a bat off the bench, according to manager Clint Hurdle. To make room for Bell on the 25-man active roster, the Pirates optioned right-hander Tyler Glasnow to Indianapolis.

Blue Jays fill out bench with Burns, option Hutchison

The Blue Jays added some versatility to their bench by recalling utility man Andy Burns from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday afternoon. Right-hander Drew Hutchison was optioned to the Minor Leagues to make room for Burns on the 25-man roster. The move had been expected after Hutchison made a spot start in Thursday night’s 5-4 victory over the Tigers.

Final Vote sends Saunders, Belt to ASG

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt and Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders will be first-time All-Stars via the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote, after 72 hours of breathtaking fan balloting and lead changes to decide the last roster spots for the 87th All-Star Game presented by MasterCard on Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego.