Top News:
Enrique Rojas / MLB:
Philadelphia Phillies speak to Pedro Martinez about possible comeback — NEW YORK — The Philadelphia Phillies have talked to Pedro Martinez and his agent about a possible comeback similar to last year, when the right-hander was a starting pitcher for the National League champions in August and into the postseason.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, NESN.com, Baseball-Reference Blog, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors, USA Today, Associated Press and ESPN
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TSN.ca:
MOYER SHINES AND PHILLIES USE POWER TO DOWN YANKEES — The Sports Network — Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - Jamie Moyer threw eight strong innings to help the Philadelphia Phillies take a 6-3 win over the New York Yankees in the second installment of a three-game interleague set.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Wallace Matthews / ESPN:
New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez returns to lineup as DH — Alex Rodriguez, sidelined since Thursday with what the Yankees are calling a strained hip flexor and A-Rod is calling a sore groin, returned to the cleanup spot Wednesday night, although not as a third baseman but as a designated hitter.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
Pittsburgh Pirates designate infielder Aki Iwamura, eye trade offers — PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates essentially wrote off their nearly $5 million investment in underperforming second baseman Aki Iwamura by designating their highest-paid player for assignment on Wednesday.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Associated Press:
Future is now as prospect Alvarez joins Pirates — PITTSBURGH (AP) — White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen picked up a Pittsburgh newspaper to find a considerable chunk of the sports page devoted to the Pirates' long-awaited decision to recall top prospect Pedro Alvarez.
Fox Sports:
Russell's future with Pirates unclear — Fox Sports — The Pirates are holding internal discussions about the immediate future of manager John Russell, multiple major-league sources say. — While it is unclear whether Russell's firing is imminent, the timing would make sense.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Bucs Dugout, Walkoff Walk, Where Have You Gone …, Hardball Times and MLB Rumors
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Royals tabbed to host '12 All-Star Game — Kansas City awarded first Midsummer Classic since 1973 — KANSAS CITY — After years of waiting, the Major League All-Star Game is a reality for Kansas City and the Royals. — Commissioner Bud Selig announced late Wednesday afternoon that the 2012 …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
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Associated Press:
Selig awards 2012 All-Star Game to Kansas City — KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Baseball commissioner Bud Selig says the 2012 Major League All-Star Game will be played in Kansas City. — Selig made the formal announcement Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium, following through on a promise he made four years ago.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
BUCK, WELLS HOMER TO LEAD JAYS OVER PADRES FOR SERIES WIN — SAN DIEGO — John Buck hit his third home run of the series, Vernon Wells also went deep and Fred Lewis had four hits as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the San Diego Padres 7-1 on Wednesday to take two of three.
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ESPN:
Chicago White Sox to push back Jake Peavy's start — Jake Peavy's up and down season took a downturn on Wednesday with the revelation that his next start will be pushed back due to arm trouble. — The right-hander was supposed to start Thursday against the Pirates, but Mark Buehrle will take the turn.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Mike Axisa / MLB Rumors:
Marlins Designate Renyel Pinto For Assignment — The Marlins have designated lefty reliever Renyel Pinto for assignment, tweets MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. The move clears a roster spot for reliever Tim Wood, who was recalled from Triple-A. — Pinto, 27 next month, had a 2.80 ERA in 15.2 innings …
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Buchholz, Sox good enough — Pedroia, Ortiz back righthander — The green shirts speckled the crowd, with periodic chants breaking out. Those were, of course, more of the “Beat LA!” variety than “Beat Arizona!” In many ways it seemed as if the crowd was ruing its decision to forsake …
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Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Oswalt, Berkman ponder their uncertain futures — KANSAS CITY, Mo. - They hear the rumors. Roy Oswalt — might go to New York. Or Washington. Or Texas. And Lance Berkman — fits perfectly with the Angels. Or Tampa Bay. Or San Francisco. Anywhere but Houston, their baseball home for a combined 22 seasons now.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
