J.D. Martinez, Andrew Benitendi and Sam Travis homered while the Red Sox exploded for seven runs in the third inning of a 9-4 rout of the Rays. The game was scoreless until Rafael Devers lined a two-run double and scored on a three-run blast by Martinez.
Eduardo Rodriguez was outstanding over seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits as Boston pulled within one game of Tampa Bay for second place in the AL East.
The Minnesota Twins were able to maintain their three-game lead over Cleveland in the American League Central by taking the opener of their series with the New York Yankees. The Twins pulled off a triple play in the first inning before Mitch Garver hit two of Minnesota's five home runs in an 8-6 downing of the Yankees. The Indians won for the eighth time in nine games as Mike Clevenger gave up three runs and five hits over seven innings of a 7-3 win at Toronto.
The Nationals and Rockies were rained out at Nationals Park. The rainout will be made up Wednesday as part of a day-night doubleheader.
In MLB news, Ryan Zimmerman was put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, the second time this season the injury has sidelined the 34-year-old first baseman. Zimmerman left Sunday's loss at Atlanta after an infield single in the second inning. Zimmerman missed 53 games between April 27 and June 28 because of the same injury. He is hitting .246 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 33 games.
Tyler Skaggs has been remembered at a private memorial service attended by his Los Angeles Angels teammates. The 27-year-old pitcher was found dead in his hotel room three weeks ago. Brewers star Ryan Braun skipped a game in Milwaukee to be at his friend’s memorial. Skaggs and Braun were workout buddies.
Right-hander Edwin Jackson could become a Detroit Tiger once again after signing a minor league contract with the organization. The 35-year-old was 1-5 with an 11.12 ERA this season for Toronto, his record 14th major league team over a 17-year big career. Jackson was an All-Star with the Tigers a decade ago, threw a no-hitter the next year with Arizona and helped St. Louis win the World Series in 2011.
NBA
Tommy Sheppard is the Washington Wizards’ new general manager following an organizational restructuring that includes other hires from outside the NBA. Sheppard just oversaw the team’s draft while serving as the Wizard's interim GM, moving up after president Ernie Grunfeld was fired late in the regular season. Former Cleveland Browns executive Sashi Brown will serve as chief planning and operations officer for Monumental Basketball, the group that runs the Wizards.
Tim Duncan is back with the San Antonio Spurs, this time as an assistant coach. Duncan won five championships during a 19-year career spent entirely with the Spurs. The team announced the move Monday, along with the promotion of Will Hardy to assistant coach. Hardy has been with the Spurs for nearly a decade and now will take on an elevated role.
NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins and forward Zach Aston-Reese have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a two-year deal that runs through the 2020-21 season. The deal is worth $1 million annually. The two sides came together minutes before heading to arbitration. The 24-year-old Aston-Reese posted career highs in goals with eight and assists with nine despite being limited to 43 games because of a hand injury.
The Calgary Flames have a tentative agreement for a new arena to replace the Saddledome. The Saddledome is almost 36 years old. The cost of the event center is $550 million to $600 million. It is to have a seating capacity of about 20,000 for sports and would be the heart of a larger revitalized commercial and residential district.
NFL
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed has been suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy. Reed may participate in preseason practices and games, but will not be available to the Seahawks until Oct. 14.
The Tennessee Titans have placed Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, tight end Jonnu Smith and kicker Ryan Succop on the physically unable to perform list. All three will be eligible to practice with the Titans after passing a physical. The Titans also placed defensive tackle and first-round draft pick Jeffery Simmons on the non-football injury list because of a torn ACL suffered in February.
SOCCER
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo won't face criminal charges after a woman accused him of raping her at a Las Vegas resort in 2009. Prosecutor Steve Wolfson said in a statement Monday that after reviewing a new police investigation, he determined that sexual assault claims can't be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and no charge will be filed. Ronaldo's attorney has said the sex was consensual.
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