Ryan Howard had a rough afternoon before singling in the ninth inning Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies’ first baseman had struck out three times in his first four at-bats. Even with the single, he is hitting .167 (4-for-24) with three RBIs, two walks and eight strikeouts in six games.

Using a three-run sixth inning Sunday, the Reds took a 6-3 victory against the Nationals and claimed the three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Reds lefty reliever Sean Marshall finally got to make his 2013 debut Sunday, and he retired the side in order in the seventh. His third out came by striking out Bryce Harper on a 75-mph curveball.

It was a performance that would usually be the lead story in just about any game. Red Sox lefty Jon Lester fired seven shutout innings Sunday, allowing just five hits and no walks while registering six strikeouts in a 13-0 win against the Blue Jays.

The Indians had their way with David Price, and Justin Masterson outpitched the Rays’ ace in Cleveland’s 13-0 win at Tropicana Field on Sunday afternoon.

Before the Red Sox cleared customs and headed home for Monday’s Fenway Park opener, Will Middlebrooks put on a Sunday afternoon power display that won’t soon be forgotten.

Jose Bautista missed his third consecutive game Sunday afternoon because of a twisted right ankle, but the Blue Jays expect him back for Tuesday’s opener in Detroit.

Aaron Hicks drove in Wilkin Ramirez with the go-ahead run in the seventh inning, as the Twins beat the Orioles, 4-3, on Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Billy Butler hit his first career grand slam Sunday to give the Royals a 6-4 lead in the fifth inning … eventually. Originally ruled a double, Butler’s drive to left field off Phillies starter Cole Hamels was changed to a grand slam.

Freddie Freeman has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle.

After B.J. Upton and Justin Upton hit ninth-inning home runs that provided the Braves a thrilling 6-5 win over the Cubs on Saturday night, they spent some time with their parents, who have been in Atlanta throughout the past week.

Mariano Rivera was honored on Sunday in the first of what will be many ceremonies recognizing his farewell season around the Major Leagues, as the Tigers paid tribute to the closer’s 19-year career.

Though it is only an extended spring training game, Monday will be a significant day for Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. That contest in Fort Myers, Fla., will mark the first time the designated hitter has played in any type of game since Aug. 24 of last season.

After giving up game-tying and game-winning homers Saturday, Carlos Marmol has been replaced as the Cubs’ closer by Kyuji Fujikawa.

Long after adding to his memorable first week in Atlanta with a first-inning home run, Justin Upton teamed with his older brother B.J. to hit a pair of ninth-inning home runs that gave the Braves a 6-5 win over the Cubs at Turner Field on Saturday night.

The D-backs blasted three homers en route to a 9-2 win over the Brewers on Saturday night at Miller Park.

Alex Cobb struck out six batters in 7 1/3 scoreless innings as the Rays cruised to a 6-0 victory on Saturday, their second straight shutout over the Indians. Kelly Johnson hit a two-run homer for Tampa Bay.