Tigers’ goose luck finally runs out

Detroit’s goose luck appears to have run out.

The Tigers lost Sunday for the first time since a Canada goose crashed into a third-deck scoreboard at Comerica Park while trying to escape the stadium Wednesday.

The team kept a goose decoy in the dugout during the ensuing four-game win streak, which ended with an 8-4 loss to Toronto in which Justin Smoak — a native of Goose Creek, South Carolina — had three hits, including a home run, and three RBIS.

In other Tigers news, right-handed reliever Johnny Barbato was optioned to Toledo, right-hander Drew Verhagen was recalled from the Triple-a club, and righthander Sandy Baez was recalled from Double-a Erie.

Nationals: Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson will have an MRI examination after straining his right hamstring, forcing him to leave in the first inning of Washington’s 4-2 loss to at Atlanta. Also, second baseman Daniel Murphy, sidelined all season after October knee surgery, has made four errors in six rehabilitation games with Double-a Harrisburg while hitting .208 with one home run and six RBIS. Manager Dave Martinez said Murphy looks labored when he runs and moves laterally.

Cubs: Tommy La Stella and Javier Baez switched positions between second and third base 10 times in the first five innings, before Baez moved to short to start the sixth, in Chicago’s 2-0 win at New York. “I wanted Javy where the highest (batted-ball) probability was,” manager Joe Maddon said.

Cardinals: Catcher Yadier Molina (pelvic surgery), on the disabled list since May 6, went 0-for-1 with a sacrifice fly in a rehabilitation appearance Saturday for Double-a Springfield. He is expected to be activated Tuesday.

White Sox: Left-hander Carlos Rodon (left shoulder surgery in September) pitched five innings Sunday, allowing two runs while striking out eight, in his third rehabilitation start for Triple-a Charlotte.