Scott Boras says shifts are partly why Bryce Harper isn't enjoying a typical Harper season  —  The Washington Post  —  When Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez was Tampa Bay's bench coach in 2008 or 2009 — he doesn't remember which year this happened — Evan Longoria …

Scooter Gennett, Eugenio Suárez are Cincinnati Reds who deserve to make NL All-Star team  —  Two for sure.  —  Possibly three, but it's a bit of a long shot.  —  We're talking Cincinnati Reds on the National League All-Star team.  No one is likely to be voted in.

Despite easy second-half schedule, Yankees still have no room for error  —  The Yankees have played .712 baseball since their 9-9 start (47-19), and play 43 of their next 51 games against .500 or worse teams (as of the W-L standings heading into Thursday's matchups).

When teams like Twins lack a good catcher, it's a sure sign of trouble  —  MINNEAPOLIS  —  The Chicago White Sox went to the World Series in 1959 for the first time in 40 years and lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.  Owner Bill Veeck decided there was a need for more punch in the Sox lineup and made two major trades:

Carlos Rodon faces Astros' ace Justin Verlander as White Sox return to Minute Maid Park  —  White Sox reliever Joakim Soria explains why he thinks hot weather can benefit pitchers on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.  (Phil Thompson/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Next Slide  —  With Steven Souza Jr. nearing a return from the disabled list, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was peppered with questions early Wednesday afternoon about how he planned to handle his outfield surplus, what with Souza giving Lovullo at least five outfielders for only three spots.

Giants Activate Johnny Cueto  —  The Giants announced that they've activated Johnny Cueto from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday.  Infielder Kelby Tomlinson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in order to open a spot on the active roster.  Cueto's activation will also require a 40-man move …

Who's in charge of rebuilding the Orioles at the trade deadline?  —  THE ALL-STAR GAME hasn't even arrived, and the Baltimore Orioles are already 33½ games out of first place in the American League East.  But that mind-bending reality can't convey the magnitude of the challenge at Camden Yards …

Mike Trout and Mookie Betts have opposite approaches — and both are perfect  —  Something has been gnawing at me about Mike Trout and Mookie Betts.  —  Both are practically perfect hitters, and in practically identical ways.  It's not just that they both hit the ball hard and far …

Launch angle, Goodrum's bat cost Dixon Machado spot on Detroit Tigers  —  Niko Goodrum forced the issue.  —  The Detroit Tigers' designating-for-assignment of infielder Dixon Machado had as much to do with Goodrum's production as it had to do with Machado's offensive struggles.

Cody Allen grateful for faith of Cleveland Indians organization  —  Now the team's all-time leader in saves, closer Cody Allen is grateful for the faith of the Cleveland Indians organization.  —  CLEVELAND — Cody Allen's 18th save of the season had far more meaning than just one game …

What a Phillies trade for Cole Hamels might mean for their rotation |  Extra Innings  —  Aaron Nola started Wednesday, so of course the Phillies won.  They've won four in a row and six of their last seven.  They entered Thursday's off day just 1.5 games behind the Braves and 5.5 games ahead of the Nationals.

Gattis' sac fly in 10th lifts Astros over Rangers 5-4  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jose Altuve was more than due when he came to bat in the 10th inning, and got a winning rally started for the Houston Astros.  —  “He hadn't gotten a hit in four at-bats,” manager A.J. Hinch said of the second basemen …

NY Mets spent over $200 million in free agency last two years with little return  —  Mets writer Matt Ehalt and columnist Steve Popper discuss Mets free agency NorthJersey  —  Free agency can help a contending team take that next step, or, in the case of the Mets, crush a team that started the season hoping to contend.

Column: Cubs need insurance for the rotation and bullpen, no matter how small the upgrade  —  Joe Maddon on Wednesday's 5-2 victory: “Nice job by everybody.  Kind of a team win.”  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  A season-high six-game winning streak coupled …

Ups and downs of minor league bullpens  —  The end comes again and again for minor league pitchers in their fourth, fifth or sixth seasons in pro ball.  They are throwing “the rock” downhill off the mound, but really isn't it like rolling a large rock uphill trying to get to the big leagues?

Mariners' Nelson Cruz brings new meaning to the term ‘power nap’  —  Nelson Cruz wakes up ready to hit.  Literally.  —  During a recent series in Baltimore, the Mariners DH spent the better part of last Thursday's finale napping on one of the big black leather couches in the visitors' clubhouse at Camden Yards.

Veteran pitcher Casey Coleman returning to Iowa Cubs  —  Triple-A baseball came to Des Moines in 1968 with the Iowa Oaks, and the Iowa Cubs have carried the torch since 1982.  Here's a collection of some of the biggest names and best players during that time.  Mark Marturello and Michael Zamora/The Register

Brewers Designate Eric Sogard For Assignment  —  The Brewers announced Thursday that they've reinstated Tyler Saladino from the 10-day disabled list and created a spot on the active roster by designating struggling second baseman Eric Sogard for assignment.  The move leaves Milwaukee's 40-man roster at a total of 39 players.