Top News:
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Notes: Sox welcome back Kapler — Outfielder completes long comeback from Achilles injury — ATLANTA — After crumpling to the ground in Toronto the night of Sept. 14, 2005, Gabe Kapler traveled many roads to get to Atlanta, where he was activated before Friday's game against the Braves.
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
If he gets start, Snyder will face a tall order — With desperate times calling for desperate measures, we wondered if the first-round draft pick from North Carolina might get a call-up from the Red Sox this summer, like last year's No. 1 pick, Craig Hansen.
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Clement woes still unclear: Starter hits DL; Kapler joins roster — ATLANTA - Matt Clement has landed on the disabled list for the first time in his career with what has been termed as a right shoulder strain but apparently no definitive cause for the Red Sox pitcher's recent dead arm feelings were pinpointed by extensive tests.
Karen Guregian / Boston Herald:
A starting point for Lester — ATLANTA - Can't call the kid a keeper just yet. But Jon Lester iscertainly working on sticking around and making a much-needed impact with the big club down the road. — While he was just so-so in his major league debut against the Texas Rangers a week ago …
Discussion:
projo.com
David Heuschkel / Hartford Courant:
Youth Serves: Streak Snapped — Lester Gets First Win, Papelbon 21st Save — ATLANTA — The standing room only crowd, the largest this season at Turner Field, wasn't as nerve-racking to Jon Lester as the packed house at Fenway Park six days earlier in his first big league start.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Lester shows his stuff — Rookie allows Braves one run in six innings to collect first win — ATLANTA — This time around, there were no ominous clouds, no steady raindrops, no waiting for hours on end to finally take the ball. Friday night was Jon Lester's second Major League start …
Discussion:
The Baseball Desert
NY Daily News:
Bad back no relief for Kyle — WASHINGTON - Kyle Farnsworth may not pitch again this weekend after back spasms cut short his outing last night. — Farnsworth retired Jose Vidro on a comebacker leading off the eighth, but felt his back lock up before he could throw another pitch.
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Wallace Matthews / Newsday:
Rodriguez tries to beat critics to punch by saying: 'Hit me' — The following column was written with the knowledge, approval and blessing of Alex Rodriguez. — Which makes it a whole lot less fun to write. — But he stunk yesterday. You know it. I know it. He knows it.
Discussion:
NY Daily News
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Williams Hangs In and Helps Yankees Hang On — WASHINGTON, June 16 — No, Bernie Williams was not here the last time the Yankees played at R.F.K. Stadium, in 1971, in the final game of the old Washington Senators. It only seems that way. — Williams has the longest tenure on the Yankees …
Arizona Republic:
Rules may block Kendrick's code of conduct — He might have the best of intentions, but there is almost certainly no way in the world Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick is going to be able to impose a stricter code of conduct on the Diamondbacks than any other team in Major League Baseball.
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Greg Wagner / MLB.com:
Notes: Kotchman ready for more — Sidelined infielder cleared for full-time baseball activities — ANAHEIM — Casey Kotchman met with a local doctor specializing in infectious diseases on Friday and was cleared to begin full-time baseball activity. — The first baseman said he will travel …
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Bob Herzog / Newsday:
Heilman crashes party — Buoyed by a 9-1 road trip, a 9½-game lead over the second-place Phillies and a supportive crowd of 45,967 at Shea Stadium that cheered lustily as they took the field for Friday night's interleague game against the Orioles, the Mets were so charged up that they went out and ... short-circuited.
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Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Notes: Wolf's return inches closer — Veteran left-hander to remain with team during rehab stint — PHILADELPHIA — The days seem shorter for Randy Wolf, who is that much closer to his Major League return. — He looked like a Major Leaguer on Friday when he stood in front of his locker at Citizens Bank Park.
Discussion:
Ben Maller
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Rich Lederer / The Baseball Analysts:
Angels Option Jered Weaver to Salt Lake — Breaking News: The Angels just announced that Jered Weaver has been sent back down to the Salt Lake Bees, the team's Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. Bartolo Colon was activated and will start on Sunday.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
You can knock Jeter, but you can't forget him — Signature moments. You know the type. Plays that are instantly memorable, that stay with you for years. — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter makes more of those plays than anyone else. — That's a subjective view — fire away …
Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Damon trying not to let small injury (hammy) become a big one — WASHINGTON - Johnny Damon is trying to find the delicate balance between playing hurt and not playing. With the Yankees' rash of injuries, he doesn't want to risk having a small injury - right hamstring tightness - become a big thing.
Sports Illustrated:
Yankees 7, Nationals 5 — Yankees first: Damon grounded out, shortstop Clayton to first baseman Johnson. Cabrera flied out to center fielder Byrd. Jeter grounded out, first baseman Johnson unassisted. — Runs: 0, Hits: 0, Errors: 0 — Nationals first: Soriano flied out to right fielder Williams.
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Notes: Decision on Prior delayed — Cubs weighing options on where righty will pitch on Sunday — CHICAGO — The Cubs delayed a decision on whether Mark Prior will start Sunday for a day to make sure the right-hander was over any soreness in his shoulder from his last Minor League rehab outing.
Discussion:
The Catbird …
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