Top News:
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Ellsbury back on the disabled list — Jacoby Ellsbury was seen by a thoracic specialist today who agreed with the diagnosis of four cracked ribs. — “I tried to play with some level of discomfort, knowing I wasn't 100 percent. In doing so, it worsened my condition,” Ellsbury said.
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Associated Press:
BoSox drop 2 straight to Royals — BOSTON (AP) — Yuniesky Betancourt hit a grand slam to cap a seven-run fourth inning and David DeJesus had four hits in the Kansas City Royals ' 12-5 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. — The Royals, leading the American League in hitting …
Gordon Edes / ESPN:
Jacoby Ellsbury back on disabled list with rib injury — Less than a week after activating him, the Boston Red Sox on Friday put outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury back on the disabled list with a rib injury. They recalled reliever Scott Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket to take his place on the roster.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Victor returns to catch Wake — Red Sox catcher still feeling effects of foul ball off toe — BOSTON — After missing the past three games with a bruised left big toe, Victor Martinez timed his return perfectly, coming back to the lineup on a night Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was pitching.
Discussion:
Over the Monster
Wallace Matthews / ESPN:
New York Yankees put Curtis Granderson back in lineup, designate Randy Winn for assignment — Center fielder Curtis Granderson returned to the Yankees lineup Friday for the first time since May 1, having missed 24 games with a Grade 2 strain of the left groin.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe!
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Benjamin Kabak / River Avenue Blues:
Granderson roulette: Russo, Winn or Pena — On May 1, Curtis Granderson injured his groin in a game against the White Sox, and the Yankees fell to 15-8 on the season. Since then, the Yankees have gone just 13-11, and even though Granderson is hitting just .225/.311/.375 on the young season …
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Note: What Did Mike Francesa Just Say About Me? — Mike Francesa asked on WFAN, 'Who cares what Matthew Cerrone thinks? He then said I look like I am 12 years old, and later asked, “Who reads blogs anyway?” — To get on air and tell him why you read blogs, and engage in new media, call 877-337-6666.
TSN.ca:
BLUE JAYS, ORIOLES SET TO BEGIN STRETCH OF DIVISIONAL GAMES — Sports Network — (Sports Network) - Already 18 games out of first place in the American League East, the Baltimore Orioles can at least try to have some fun by shaking up the standings with 12 straight matchups against their division opponents.
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Richard Griffin / Toronto Star:
Young, rebuilding Blue Jays need to stay the course
David Ginsburg / Globe and Mail:
A's rally past Orioles
MLB.com:
Punto returns after missing four games — MINNEAPOLIS — Infielder Nick Punto started at third base in the Twins' series opener against the Rangers on Friday after missing four games with a sore finger. — Punto had injections in his left ring finger after injuring it while swinging the bat …
Discussion:
Minor League Ball
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Associated Press:
Umpire Joe West, Chicago White Sox's Ozzie Guillen, Mark Buehrle fined — NEW YORK — Umpire Joe West, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and pitcher Mark Buehrle were fined by Major League Baseball on Friday for their recent balk flap. — A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press there weren't any suspensions.
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Associated Press:
Tigers fall to Athletics despite Miguel Cabrera's first 3-HR game — DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera (FSY) hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, but it was not enough to beat the Oakland Athletics. — Ben Sheets (FSY) worked seven innings in his longest start …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers get Guillen back for A's series — DETROIT — Carlos Guillen is headed back to the Tigers, and heading to second base for the first time since 1999. The Tigers activated Guillen from the 15-day disabled list Friday, paving the way for him to rejoin the starting lineup at second.
Geoff Baker / The Seattle Times:
Josh Bard to DL, Eliezer Alfonzo called up and Jack Hannahan designated for assignment — Turns out that calf injury for Josh Bard (photo right) was serious, since he's been put on the 15-day DL with a muscle pull. That means the M's have brought up Eliezer Alfonzo (photo left) from Class AAA.
Sports Illustrated:
Lee, Oswalt and Fielder headline summer trade candidates … Thanks to the Astros' longtime pitching star Roy Oswalt and his unusually early trade request, trade speculation has already begun — though the majority of trade-deadline deals won't happen for two months.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates place pitcher Morton on DL — The Pirates have placed starter Charlie Morton on the 15-day disabled list because of shoulder fatigue. — Reliever Steven Jackson had his contract purchased from Class AAA Indianapolis. — General manager Neal Huntington said in a statement …
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Beltran won't return to Mets before break — NEW YORK — Based on Omar Minaya's timetable, Carlos Beltran is unlikely to rejoin the Mets before the All-Star break. — Beltran has not yet begun full baseball activities, according to the general manager. Once he does, he will still need four …
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