Giants give rookie pitcher Chris Heston a break

The San Francisco Giants sent pitcher Chris Heston to triple-A Sacramento on Friday, hoping to give him a small break before the stretch drive.

The 27-year-old Heston is 11-7 with a 3.34 earned-run average and threw a no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 9. Heston, however, has had trouble going deep into games in recent weeks, making it past the fifth inning just once in four starts this month.

Nationals call up Turner

The Washington Nationals promoted 22-year-old shortstop Trea Turner, one of baseball’s top prospects, from triple-A Syracuse.

Turner replaces Tyler Moore, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle. He was batting .322 with eight home runs and 54 RBIs and 29 stolen bases in 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A.

Although primarily a shortstop in the minors, Turner could see time at second base and is likely to be eased into action, Rizzo said. When Turner does play, it will be his major league debut.

Etc.

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated utility player Josh Harrison off the disabled list after a nearly two-month stay following thumb surgery. ... The Seattle Mariners placed Joe Beimel on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left shoulder and recalled Rob Rasmussen from triple-A Tacoma.