BOSTON (AP) Terry Francona is back at Fenway Park as an opposing manager for the first time since he left the Red Sox.

Francona brought the Cleveland Indians to Boston for a four-game series starting Thursday night. He was let go by the Red Sox after eight years as their manager following a September 2011 collapse left them out of the playoffs.

He was relaxed and spoke calmly for about 20 minutes in the visiting dugout before the game. After Francona met with reporters, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz came into the dugout and they embraced.

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PITTSBURGH (AP) It was hard to tell whether the Pittsburgh Pirates were heading on a road trip or getting ready for a Stanley Cup playoff game after beating the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Thursday for their fourth straight win.

All of the Pirates' players and coaches wore Pittsburgh Penguins' replica jerseys as they got ready to embark on a road trip to Milwaukee and Detroit. The Penguins even sent a custom-made No. 13 sweater to manager Clint Hurdle.

SEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Mariners sent slumping catcher Jesus Montero to the minor leagues Thursday, a year after acquiring him in trade full of potential that hasn't panned out for either side.

The Mariners optioned Montero to Triple-A Tacoma. He has 72 hours to join the club.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Injured New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira could soon start playing in minor league games while pitcher Andy Pettitte is also working his way back to the majors.

Teixeira has been out since injuring his right wrist in early March while with the U.S. team preparing for the World Baseball Classic.

TORONTO (AP) The Baltimore Orioles optioned right-hander Jake Arrieta to Triple-A Norfolk and designated right-hander Alex Burnett for assignment on Thursday.

The moves were made to clear a roster spot for rookie right-hander Kevin Gausman, the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft. He is being promoted from Double-A Bowie to make his major league against the Blue Jays on Thursday night.

PHOENIX (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks say outfielder Adam Eaton's injured left elbow has an irritation but no structural damage.

Still, it's a setback for Eaton, who has been on the disabled list all season. The Diamondbacks say he will spend two to three weeks doing strengthening exercises, then begin a throwing program.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) The Texas Rangers have placed right-hander Derek Lowe on unconditional release waivers and signed utility man Mark Teahen (TEA-en) to a minor league contract.

The moves Thursday came three days after the Rangers designated Lowe for assignment after the 39-year-old allowed 13 runs in 13 innings over nine relief appearances. Lowe made the team in spring training, and signed a minor league deal.

TORONTO (AP) The Blue Jays are promoting left-hander Sean Nolin to make his major league debut Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles.

A sixth-round draft pick in 2010, Nolin went 10-0 with a 2.04 ERA in 20 games at two minor league levels last season, including a 9-0 mark at Class A Dunedin. He's started 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in three games at Double-A New Hampshire this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Royals have sent struggling reliever Kelvin Herrera to the minors.

The right-hander allowed eight home runs in 20 1-3 innings. The Royals optioned him to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

ATLANTA (AP) As Evan Gattis was rounding the bases, soaking up the cheers from his first grand slam, he noticed the song blaring triumphantly from the speakers at Turner Field.

The theme from "The Natural."