Kris Bryant's return from DL delayed at least until Friday  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the team's confidence level after beating the Tigers on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Kris Bryant won't be cleared to return to the Cubs …

Under penalty, Cincinnati Reds unable to make big splash for international signing period  —  Major League Baseball's international signing period began Monday, but the Reds won't have an opportunity to make a big splash in the second year of a two-year penalty phase.

Next Slide  —  CHICAGO - It was around this time last year when, every five days, speculation would arise about whether Justin Verlander was making his final start with the Detroit Tigers.  —  Now, as a rite of passage of sorts, that speculation swirls every time Michael Fulmer takes the mound.

Angels' Shohei Ohtani activated from DL, will DH in Tuesday's game  —  The Angels have activated Shohei Ohtani from the disabled list.  He will DH in Tuesday night's game at Seattle, batting sixth.  —  The two-way star has been out since June 6 with a Grade 2 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament …

Gleyber Torres out of Yankees lineup with hip stiffness  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone talks about Gleyber Torres's condition Pete Caldera, Staff Writer, @pcaldera  —  NEW YORK - Since his arrival at Yankee Stadium in late April, Gleyber Torres hasn't spent much time on the bench.

Rays, Marlins and an idea for a Citrus Series trophy  —  Ah, the Citrus Series.  Is there anything like Rays-Marlins in July?  Well, yes, there is.  They don't even hand out a trophy anymore to the season series winner, though they did when they began playing each other in 1998.  —  It's easy to see why.

Bryce Harper's new position interest is long-shot Yankees path  —  The Nationals surely weren't showcasing him, but Bryce Harper might have shown another way he could get to the Yankees next year.  —  The outfielder put in pregame work Monday afternoon taking ground balls at first base …

White Sox OF Avisail Garcia told to take care to protect his ailing hamstring  —  White Sox manager Rick Renteria says Avisail Garcia is playing through a “tight hammy” but wants him to limit his explosiveness on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.  (Phil Thompson/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Red Sox Wrap: Boston Smacks Three Homers In 11-4 Win Over Nationals  —  The Boston Red Sox were loaded with power Tuesday night.  —  Eduardo Nunez and Xander Bogaerts each smacked three-run homers while J.D. Martinez added a two-run blast as the Sox claimed an 11-4 victory over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. St. Louis Cardinals … For years, defense had always come naturally to Jake Lamb.  Coming up through the minors and into his first seasons in the majors, the Diamondbacks' third baseman was generally regarded as a solid - and potentially above-average - defender.

LEADING OFF: Kershaw tries again for win, Realmuto on a roll  —  Here's a look at what's happening around the majors today:  —  RECOVERING ACE  —  Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw goes for his first win in 2 1/2 months when he faces Pittsburgh in the middle game of the teams' three-game series in Los Angeles.

Braves activate closer Arodys Vizcaino, on DL with shoulder inflammation  —  The NL East-leading Atlanta Braves activated closer Arodys Vizcaino from the disabled list on Tuesday.  —  The right-handed reliever was placed on the DL on June 24 with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Trading Shin-Soo Choo would help to ‘Free Willie.’ Now only $40 million stands in the way.  —  ARLINGTON — Of all the deals Jon Daniels could conjure up in the coming weeks, from finding a market for Cole Hamels to a contender for Adrian Beltre, only one matters to the Rangers now.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. St. Louis Cardinals … Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin has been adjusting his pitch selection, but he may have found some consistency elsewhere.  Manager Torey Lovullo has liked the recent pairing of Corbin and catcher Jeff Mathis and looks to keep that going.

Jose Bautista gives Mets advice during return to Toronto as veteran continues to prove valuable in clubhouse  —  TORONTO — Hours before batting practice, Jose Bautista was wandering around the outfield at the Rogers Centre.  —  The veteran outfielder had prowled the nooks and crannies …

Love yourself: Shane Bieber trusts his stuff, makes believers out of Indians  —  OAKLAND - Now that he has claimed a regular spot in the Cleveland Indians' rotation, Shane Bieber knows he'll get to make his third home start next Monday.  —  He just doesn't know which walk-up song will greet him.

Justin Verlander to pitch against Detroit Tigers on July 15  —  First a World Series win, now a beautiful Tuscan wedding.  Newly married couple Kate Upton and Justin Verlander have a lot to celebrate.  Us Weekly reports that they both shared their happiness about their weekend nuptials on social media on Monday.