Top News:
Joe Capozzi / Fish Tank:
Florida Marlins call up Jose Lopez, who will start at second base tonight — The Marlins made a few roster moves after the first game of today's double-header: RHP Elih Villanueva was optioned back to Class AAA New Orleans after allowing eight runs in three innings in an 8-1 loss.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
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Joe Capozzi / Fish Tank:
Florida Marlins targeting July 16 return date for Josh Johnson — One positive taken from today's pre-game session with manager Edwin Rodriguez — the Marlins sound more optimistic than ever that Josh Johnson will be ready once his 60-day stint on the disabled list is over.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Hanley sits out day game after night game — Star shortstop expected to play in twin-bill nightcap — PHILADELPHIA — On Wednesday morning, before Game 1 of a split doubleheader, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez was taking his regular round of batting practice. The 27-year-old also fielded his share of grounders.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Scott Kazmir Likely To Be Released — “It appears the Angels will have no choice but to release” lefty Scott Kazmir, writes Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times. That would mean eating about $7MM in remaining salary, plus a $2.5MM buyout for 2012. — GM Tony Reagins was on hand …
Discussion:
Rising Apple, Mets Merized Online and Mike Silva's …
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Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Scott Kazmir has another bad minor league start, may be finished as an Angel — Struggling left-hander gives up six earned runs in 1 2/3 innings for Salt Lake, pushing his ERA with triple-A team to 17.02, and Angels may have to release him — and eat $14.5 million on his contract.
Discussion:
Over the Monster, HardballTalk and Los Angeles Times
ESPN:
Report: Fielder won't rule out playing for Cubs — With the Chicago Cubs sporting one of the worst records in baseball, a wait-'til-next-year attitude has already crept into the thinking of many fans. And 2012 fantasies start with Albert Pujols. — Call Prince Fielder a very attractive consolation prize.
Discussion:
Associated Press and HardballTalk
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Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Prince Fielder would consider Cubs in free agency — Despite a rivalry with the Cubs that has at times seemed personal, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder said Tuesday he hasn't ruled out the Cubs as a possible destination if he reaches free agency this fall.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Steven Miller / MLB.com:
LaRoche out for season with torn labrum — WASHINGTON — Adam LaRoche resumed baseball activities this week after two weeks of completely shutting down. Still in pain from a labrum tear in his left shoulder, LaRoche learned on Tuesday he will be shut down for the season after surgery Thursday.
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Steven Miller / MLB.com:
Gorzelanny makes first rehab start
Steven Miller / MLB.com:
Stammen's exit leaves Nats with six-man 'pen
NY Daily News:
Phil Hughes could be pitching for New York Yankees by early July if rehab starts go smoothly — The injury-riddled Yankees' pitching staff could be getting a lift at the start of next month in the form of Phil Hughes. — Hughes, out since April 15 with inflammation in his shoulder …
Discussion:
It's About The Money
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Mike Ozanian / SportsMoney:
Einhorn Could Get Control Of New York Mets For $1 — In three years hedge fund manager David Einhorn could gain control of the New York Mets for $1. — Last month Einhorn and the owners of the MLB team, Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz, came to terms on a deal in which Einhorn would pay $200 million …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Daily Dish, ESPN and The 'Ropolitans
Paul White / USA Today:
Injuries to Derek Jeter, Russell Martin squeeze Yankees — NEW YORK — Joe Girardi knew Derek Jeter would lobby hard to avoid his first trip to the disabled list since 2003. — But the New York Yankees manager, remembering a similar situation last year with third baseman Alex Rodriguez …
Discussion:
Babes Love Baseball
Globe and Mail:
Justin Verlander's pitching all Tigers need — Justin Verlander nearly pitched another no-hitter, taking his latest bid into the eighth inning to lead the Detroit Tigers past the Cleveland Indians 4-0 Tuesday night and into first place in the AL Central. — With two no-hitters already on his resume …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Pinstripe Alley
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Heyward activated from DL, ready to play — ATLANTA — Confident that his right shoulder will no longer be a problem, Jason Heyward returned to the Braves' lineup for Wednesday night's game against the Mets at Turner Field. — The Braves activated Heyward from the disabled list late Wednesday afternoon …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
MyYESNetwork.com:
Gordon's journey leads him to Yankee Stadium — Brian Gordon's car ride from Allentown, Penn., to New York was surreal on Tuesday night. So surreal. There have been dozens of journeys in Gordon's career that, frankly, ended up being trips to nowhere. So Tuesday's trip …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Jim Armstrong / All Things Rockies:
Rockies-Padres lineups for Wednesday rubber game of series — The Rockies have had their issues this season on several fronts. Injuries, underperforming veterans, rookies trying to get their feet on the ground at the big-league level ... you name it, the Rockies have experienced it.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball