Both the Indians and Pirates made surprising runs early last season before fading to losing records. The question this season is whether they can keep it up, and beyond that, which one is more likely to still be standing in October.

After a seven-year absence from baseball, Tom Wilhelmsen got his life and career back on track through his dad's Father's Day influence. Now, at 28, he is one of the anchors of the Mariners' bullpen that helped complete a six-man no-hitter on June 8.

No write-in choice has started the All-Star Game since Steve Garvey in 1974, but Bryce Harper and Mike Trout are both making strong cases for inclusion, despite not appearing on the ballot.

For eight years, Jim Duquette's daughter, Lindsey, has battled a serious kidney disorder with no known cure. The Duquette family wondered what it would take to ensure this brave girl will have a chance to live a long and healthy life. As it turns out, the answer was inside of Jim all along.

The D-backs have expressed their desire for top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer to improve on his game management. The analytical Bauer, a mechanical engineering and mathematics major while at UCLA, prefers a different, more specific expression.

Edinson Volquez allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings on Thursday to lead the Padres to a 6-2 victory over the Mariners.

Right-hander Travis Blackley gets the start for the hot-hitting A's, who are coming off a sweep of the Colorado Rockies. He'll square off against Anthony Bass and the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

Each day, MLB.com selects one player from each game whose performance stands out.

In a one-of-its-kind event to raise money for Joe Torre's Safe At Home Foundation, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, Tommy Lasorda, Mike Scioscia and Don Mattingly took part in a panel discussion hosted by legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.

The Mariners and Giants will meet in a pitching-heavy Interleague series in Seattle with Ryan Vogelsong and Jason Vargas on the mound for the opener Friday.

The slumping Blue Jays are losing games as well as starting pitchers and will look to end the downward trend on Friday as the Phillies head north of the border for a three-game series at Rogers Centre.

Joe Torre, who won four World Series with the Yankees in a 29-year managerial career, will take on another challenge next March when he manages Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

When Tim Lincecum faces the Mariners on Saturday, it won't be just a homecoming, it'll be a happening, as he'll be making his first appearance in his home state.

Yovani Gallardo heads to the hill for the Brewers as they open an Interleague series with Francisco Liriano and the Twins on Friday at Target Field.

The Pirates and Indians have split their 30 all-time Interleague contests. James McDonald of the Pirates will face the Indians' Justin Masterson to break that tie in the opener of a three-game series, beginning Friday at Progressive Field.

David Freese homered and drove in three runs to back Jake Westbrook's quality start as the Cardinals won the Interleague series from the White Sox on Thursday night.

Taking the mound for the Braves when they open a series against Brian Matusz and the Orioles on Friday night will be right-hander Tommy Hanson, who has posted back-to-back quality starts.