The Braves have played 63.4 percent of their games on the road. And they have played considerable stretches of the early season without some of their most important personnel. It’s not hard to see that even in first place, their overall direction should be upward.

Outfielder Chris Young, who strained a left quad muscle during the A’s 19-inning game on April 29, expects to be activated soon.

Professional golfer Shawn Stefani is currently in his rookie year on the PGA Tour. He is not only a good golfer, but also a big fan of baseball. So why not have MLB represented on the golf course?

Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler will not make his next start Monday against the Giants due to a lower back injury.

Rehabbing Angels right-hander Jered Weaver faced live hitters in a simulated game for the first time in five weeks on Friday. Weaver still lacks some arm strength and endurance, but he knows that will come with time.

By calling up Tyler Chatwood to pitch Saturday, the Rockies will give right-hander Juan Nicasio an extra day’s rest. Nicasio, who has struggled on and off this season, will start Sunday in the finale of the four-game set with the Giants.

Matt Harvey drove in his first run of the season to supplement another superb pitching performance, and he and the Mets beat the Cubs, 3-2, on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Reid Ryan represents a connection to the Astros’ past while offering an enthusiastic vision for its future. He’s Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan’s oldest son, and that means plenty around these parts.

All systems are a go for Reds ace Johnny Cueto to return to the rotation from the disabled list Monday. Cueto on Wednesday was named the starter for the series opener against the Mets.

Shortly before the Yankees were to engage the Blue Jays on Friday night, Andy Pettitte was assigned to the 15-day disabled list, and general manager Brian Cashman announced the club is recalling left-hander Vidal Nuno to replace Pettitte in the rotation.

Pinpointing a target date for Giancarlo Stanton’s return remains up in the air.

All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve will be in Saturday’s lineup against the Pirates after missing three games on the bereavement list following the death of his grandmother in Venezuela.

The news conference to introduce Reid Ryan as president of business operations of the Houston Astros on Friday was technically labeled as “introductory,” but in essence, the 41-year-old offspring of a Texas baseball legend already knew half of the people in the room.

On Thursday, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper started his first game since Monday night and showed no ill effects after crashing into the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium.

It’s safe to say that Stephen Strasburg had a nice homecoming on Thursday night as the Nationals defeated the Padres, 6-2, at Petco Park.

Jeff Keppinger took a walk for the first time this season to force home the game-winning run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Angels in Anaheim on Thursday night. Alex Rios hit his ninth homer.

The Giants scored eight unanswered runs to prevail, 8-6, lengthening their winning streak against National League West rival Colorado to 10 games.