Shift backfires on Padres in seventh inning

For 6 2/3 innings during Thursday night’s 5-3 victory over the Mets, the Padres’ defense was right where it needed to be, positioned perfectly to turn would-be singles into easy groundouts behind a history-chasing Colin Rea. Then, in the seventh, Yoenis Cespedes hit a slow bouncer to the right side — routine for any second baseman playing in his usual position.

Cards-Bucs among today’s series openers on MLB.TV

Today, the Blue Jays will welcome the Dodgers and Japanese rookie sensation Kenta Maeda. Detroit will see a battle of former NL East adversaries in the Rangers’ Cole Hamels and the Tigers’ Jordan Zimmermann, the reigning AL Pitcher of the Month. In St. Louis, the Cardinals will look for revenge against the Pirates.

A string of zeros, but no win for Tanaka

For the first time in his career, Masahiro Tanaka worked eight scoreless frames against an American League team, keeping the Orioles off the board with a five-hit gem. But Kevin Gausman returned the favor in a sharp pitching duel that was eventually won by Baltimore in 10 innings.

Blue Jays ride big innings, cruise past Rangers

The Blue Jays’ high-powered offense finally lived up to its billing by scoring early and often against left-hander Derek Holland in a 12-2 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night at Rogers Centre. Edwin Encarnacion led the way with a 3-for-4 night, which included a home run, two doubles and six RBIs.