EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Philadelphia Phillies returned right-hander Orion Kerkering from his rehab assignment with Single-A Clearwater on Sunday and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.Kerkering will slot into the roster spot previously held by right-hander Nick Nelson, who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the Phillies' 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.Kerkering, 23, is working his…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Minnesota Twins reinstated left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day injured list on Sunday.Thielbar started the season on the IL due to a left hamstring strain. He made two rehab appearances at Triple-A St. Paul, giving up one run on two hits in three innings with one walk and five strikeouts.The 37-year-old has spent his entire career…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers received some special footwear Saturday, courtesy of Kobe Bryant's widow.On the eighth anniversary of Bryant's last NBA game, Vanessa Bryant gave members of the Dodgers exclusive sneakers in a team color scheme from the late basketball star's signature Nike line.The club posted a thank you message to Vanessa…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFRISCO, Texas -- Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander pitched four innings Saturday night for Double-A Corpus Christi in what is expected to be his final minor league rehab outing before rejoining the major-league rotation.The three-time Cy Young Award winner gave up six runs -- five earned -- and seven hits against the Frisco RoughRiders, a Texas Rangers affiliate.…