Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Cardinals activated catcher Yadier Molina from the injured list, placed outfielder Jose Martinez on it with a shoulder injury and selected outfielder Randy Arozarena from Triple-A Memphis before opening a two-game series at Kansas City. Molina has been out since July 8 with a strained right thumb tendon that has caused the nine-time All-Star to miss the past 28 games.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes lit the league on fire last season, throwing for more than 5,000 yards with 50 touchdown passes and a mere 12 interceptions. But the Chiefs quarterback showed in their preseason opener Saturday night that he’s grown even more, as evidenced by a seemingly simple slide toward the end of his only drive against Cincinnati.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa will feature a three-year starter at quarterback in Nate Stanley, a veteran offensive line and a defense led by Big Ten sack leader A.J. Epenesa. The Hawkeyes are optimistic about the season, though the schedule is daunting. Iowa will play Iowa State, Michigan, defending division champion Northwestern and division rivals Wisconsin and Nebraska on the road.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Wins in four of its last six games left Nebraska coaches and players optimistic about what lies in store in 2019. The Cornhuskers are a popular pick to win the Big Ten West. Quarterback Adrian Martinez returns and the defense expects to continue improving in year two of the 3-4 system. Nebraska also has a favorable schedule with most of its key Big Ten games at home. The Huskers open Aug. 31 at home against South Alabama.

UNDATED (AP) — The power structure in the Big Ten could be in for a shakeup this season. Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth year at Michigan overdue for a breakthrough. Two-time defending conference champion Ohio State is transitioning from Urban Meyer to Ryan Day and replacing a first-round NFL draft pick at quarterback. Momentum Nebraska built the second half of last season could carry over heading into Scott Frost’s second year. A favorable schedule makes the Cornhuskers a trendy pick for the Big Ten title game.