Doolittle returns to DL; A’s call up Castro

Sean Doolittle’s return to the A’s proved to be a brief one, as the left-handed reliever was placed back on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a strained left shoulder. In a corresponding move, Oakland recalled right-hander Angel Castro from Triple-A Nashville to take Doolittle’s place on the active roster.

Harper scratched due to sore back

Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper was scratched from Saturday’s lineup against Reds because of a sore back. Harper was hurt Friday night when he was hit in the back by a pitch thrown by Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani during the Nationals’ 5-2 loss.

ASG debate: Jones or Cespedes in starting OF?

In the first results of the American League All-Star balloting, Baltimore’s Adam Jones was fourth and Detroit’s Yoenis Cespedes was fifth. Today’s question: If only one could crack the starting lineup for the July 14 Midsummer Classic at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, which should it be?

Hudson’s arm, Posey’s bat topple Braves

Tim Hudson pitched seven stingy innings to gain his first career victory over the Atlanta Braves and benefited from Buster Posey’s three RBIs as the Giants prevailed, 4-2. The outcome hoisted the Giants atop the National League West standings, a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers.