Back in the 1990s, when Joe Torre’s Yankees were winning everything in sight if opponents didn’t get them in the first seven innings, forget it. That the 2015 Yankees are atop the American League East and one of the season’s biggest surprises is reminiscent of the formula that made Torre’s teams so successful.

Mike Minor underwent successful surgery on his pitching shoulder Wednesday and will spend the rest of the season recovering. Minor had a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and it was repaired by noted surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is headed to Double-A Frisco for four games through at least next Wednesday, the Rangers have announced.

The White Sox optioned second baseman Micah Johnson to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, allowing switch-hitter Carlos Sanchez to join the team and assume the starting role starting with Friday’s series opener in Oakland.

Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter launched a two-run home run off lefty Marc Rzepczynski in the eighth inning on Thursday, spoiling a strong start from Indians starter Trevor Bauer and helping St. Louis claim a 2-1 victory at Progressive Field.

The Astros promoted another one of their top prospects to Triple-A Fresno on Thursday, rewarding right-handed starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. after an impressive start to the season for Double-A Corpus Christi.

The Mets officially activated left-handed reliever Jack Leathersich in time for Thursday’s series finale against the Cubs, placing right-hander Buddy Carlyle on the disabled list with back spasms.

A contingent of players from the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program will begin a series of showcases this month to get an opportunity to play in the 13U USA Baseball National Team Identification Series in August. Mark Whiten will manage the select RBI team.

Manager Ned Yost is firm about his confidence in a Royals rotation that has been up and down so far this season.

As expected, the Red Sox officially placed right-hander Justin Masterson on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with right shoulder tendinitis, retroactive to Wednesday.

Though the muscle strain beneath Juan Lagares’ right armpit has already lingered longer than the Mets anticipated, manager Terry Collins expects the center fielder to return to the lineup Friday against the Brewers.

The question of when it is no longer “too early” for the White Sox amid a slow start has been asked often over the past six weeks. General manager Rick Hahn has mentioned 60 games as the first barometer, but here’s an even better initial checkpoint: Take a look at where the White Sox stand at the end of May.

The Rangers on Thursday activated pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa off the disabled list and optioned pitcher Spencer Patton to Triple-A Round Rock.

Developing a winning attitude is one of the many items on Joe Maddon’s checklist of things to do as Cubs manager. It’s working.

Due to a mixup, Jose Iglesias wasn’t on the Tigers’ original lineup card when it went up Thursday morning. Unfortunately for Minnesota’s Kurt Suzuki and the baserunner ahead of him in the first inning, that was quickly corrected.

Which catcher is most deserving to start for the National League in the All-Star Game? MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer discusses two of the top candidates: the Padres’ Derek Norris and the Dodgers’ Yasmani Grandal.

If after nine years in Colorado the ongoing struggles are wearing on him, nobody could blame Troy Tulowitzki for wanting a chance to go somewhere else and have an opportunity to win.