Top News:
NY Daily News:
MLB may cut deal with Yankees' Alex Rodriguez to reduce his looming drug suspension: sources — According to the sources, a 150-game suspension might be the best that could be expected for Rodriguez, who is rehabbing from hip surgery with high Single-A Tampa and was chastised by the Yankees Saturday …
Discussion:
CBS New York, HardballTalk, CBSSports.com and River Avenue Blues
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Joel Sherman / New York Post:
Alex Rodriguez no-shows rehab game Friday before rainout
Alex Rodriguez no-shows rehab game Friday before rainout
Discussion:
Pinstriped Bible, HardballTalk, CBSSports.com and The LoHud Yankees Blog
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Cubs star righthander Matt Garza, who separated himself as the top available starting pitcher with a string of impressive recent outings, has received notice that he will likely be traded after contract talks didn't produce an extension. Garza is drawing interest from the Rangers, Indians, Red Sox and Cardinals, among others.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
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Drew Silva / HardballTalk:
Rangers, Blue Jays are the “front-runners” for Matt Garza — From beat writer Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: … Garza was not great in that start, allowing two earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings against the rival Cardinals. But he still has a shiny 3.17 ERA …
Discussion:
ESPN and Bluebird Banter
Associated Press:
Stanton homers in 9th, Marlins top Nationals in 10th — MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins are convinced they have put their early season woes behind them — they're making believers out of other teams. — Giancarlo Stanton homered leading off the ninth inning to tie it and Ed Lucas beat …
Discussion:
Daily Astorian and baseballmusings.com
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Michael Baron / Metsblog:
Final Score: Mets 4 Pirates 2 — The Least You Should Know... Dillon Gee was great for 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run and five hits with only one walk and two strikeouts. — The Mets scored three runs in the first innings thanks to an RBI single by Eric Young Jr., and a two-run single by John Buck.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Edward Creech / MLB Rumors:
Huntington Talks Trade Deadline, First-Half Success — The Pirates have won three in a row entering play this afternoon and, at 56-36, are tied with the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central and the best winning percentage in all of baseball. Before today's game with the Mets …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Associated Press:
Verlander exits due to quad after no-hitter ends — DETROIT — Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander left Sunday's game against the Texas Rangers with a tight right quad muscle, shortly after having his no-hit bid broken up in the seventh inning. — Verlander had already been replaced …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and ESPN
Jose M. Romero / MLB.com:
Roenicke concerned about Brewers pressing — PHOENIX — The Brewers scored 13 runs in their past six games entering Saturday's action, going 2-4 during that span. They went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position Friday and 1-for-7 in the series opener on Thursday.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
ESPN.com:
Low-budget Astros give Altuve 4-year deal — HOUSTON — The low-budget Astros have made an investment in their future, signing second baseman Jose Altuve to a four-year contract through 2017. — Altuve's deal with Houston covers his arbitration-eligible years and includes club options for 2018 and 2019.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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Brian McTaggart / Tag's Lines:
Astros, Altuve agree to long-term contract extension
Astros, Altuve agree to long-term contract extension
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes, Ultimate Astros, HardballTalk, MLB Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Zach Links / MLB Rumors:
Royals Designate J.C. Gutierrez For Assignment — The Royals have designated right-hander J.C. Gutierrez for assignment, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). The move allows the club to clear space for fellow righty Wade Davis, who is rejoining the club after paternity leave.
Associated Press:
3 HRs Help D-Backs Top Brewers 5-4 — PHOENIX — Didi Gregorius hit one of three Arizona solo home runs and drove in the tying run during a three-run seventh inning and the Diamondbacks rallied to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 on Saturday. — Miguel Montero and Jason Kubel also homered …
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Games of the Day — The last day of games before the All-Star break starts with the Rangers and Tigers playing the rubber game of their series with Martin Perez taking on Justin Verlander. Perez may be pitching himself into a permanent spot in the Rangers rotation.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Associated Press:
Lincecum Throws First No-Hitter as Giants Beat Padres — SAN DIEGO — Tim Lincecum pitched his first career no-hitter and the second in the majors in 11 days, a gem saved by a spectacular diving catch by right fielder Hunter Pence in the San Francisco Giants' 9-0 win over the last-place San Diego Padres on Saturday night.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and Gaslamp Ball