Top News:
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
MLB.com's Duquette: Reds' Gennett, Iglesias among 10 top trade targets — A pair of Cincinnati Reds - second baseman Scooter Gennett and closer Raisel Iglesias - are among 10 of “the likeliest to receive considerable attention given where contending clubs' needs stand today,” …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Dilson Herrera promoted to Cincinnati Reds roster, adding solid bat to the Reds' bench — CHICAGO - Battling injuries during the start of Spring Training and placed on waivers in March, Reds infielder Dilson Herrera admitted there were moments where he questioned if he would ever return to the Major Leagues.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Tyler Mahle pitches well again, Raisel Iglesias holds off Cubs in Cincinnati Reds win — CHICAGO - When Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett fielded a ground ball in the eighth inning and completed the throw to first base, Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras slammed his helmet to the dirt.
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
On the NY Yankees radar, J.A. Happ set to give them a close-up look on Saturday — TORONTO - J.A. Happ starts against the Yankees on Saturday afternoon, fully aware that he might be joining them before the July 31 trade deadline. — The fourth-place Blue Jays will sift through trade scenarios …
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Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
It's no surprise AL East will be front and center at trade deadline
It's no surprise AL East will be front and center at trade deadline
Discussion:
Batter's Box Interactive … and MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
MLB: Cubs prospect Oscar De La Cruz gets 80-game drug suspension — Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Oscar De La Cruz has been suspended 80 games under Major League Baseball's drug program. — The commissioner's office said Friday that the 23-year-old right-hander tested positive for Furosemide, a diuretic and masking agent.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
MLB Reinstates Jenrry Mejia For 2019 Season — Major League Baseball announced today that Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia will be reinstated for the 2019 season. He had previously been banned following a third positive PED test. — Mejia, who is now 28 years of age, last pitched in the majors in 2015.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Daily Dish and Amazin' Avenue
Jack Magruder / UPI:
Arizona Diamondbacks try to reverse luck against San Diego Padres — PHOENIX — For the first time this season, the Arizona Diamondbacks had their projected big four in the lineup Thursday, although that did not keep the San Diego Padres from winning the first contest of a four-game series.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
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MoiseKapenda Bower / UPI:
White Sox try to even series with Astros — HOUSTON — Yuli Gurriel delivered the walk-off hit that lifted the Houston Astros to victory on Thursday in their series opener with the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park. — The clutch at-bat came as no surprise considering Gurriel leads …
Discussion:
South Side Sox and The Crawfish Boxes
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers prospects Matt Manning, Dawel Lugo to play in Futures Game — The Detroit Tigers are sending two players to the All-Star Futures Game this season. — Right-hander Matt Manning will pitch for the United States team and second baseman Dawel Lugo will play for the World team …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Royals Review, MLB Baseball News …, Brew Crew Ball and Lone Star Ball
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Craig Calcaterra / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Futures Game Rosters Announced
Futures Game Rosters Announced
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Amazin' Avenue
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Indians Acquire James Hoyt — The Indians announced that they have acquired righty James Hoyt from the Astros. Houston will receive minor-leaguer Tommy DeJuneas in return. — Hoyt will head to Triple-A on optional assignment. He will occupy the 40-man roster spot that was created when George Kontos was designated for assignment.
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks draft history: First round picks … The Diamondbacks will not sign their top pick, infielder Matt McLain, sources confirmed Friday, and instead will receive a compensatory pick in next year's draft. — Details remain sketchy, but it appears the club did not meet McLain's demands …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
A July 4th attendance boom and MLB's next big thing — How was your Fourth of July? What did you do? I'm curious because, after all, it's the heart of summer and most of you had the day off, and in today's world, there are countless ways to spend leisure time. — You know what a heck of a lot of people did Wednesday?
Associated Press:
Chris Herrmann's HR helps lift Mariners over Angels — SEATTLE (AP) - Chris Herrmann hit his first home run for Seattle and Marco Gonzales pitched six solid innings to lead the Mariners to a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night. — Gonzales (9-5) gave up five hits while striking out seven in a 102-pitch outing.
Discussion:
Winona Daily News and MLB Baseball News …
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Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times:
Mariners continue mastery of division-rival Angels, win 4-1
Mariners continue mastery of division-rival Angels, win 4-1
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Stephen Ruiz / Orlando Sentinel:
Umpires rally around Sanford peer after infection costs him his legs — Randy Harvey, a renowned umpire who has called games for more than 3 decades in college and the major leagues, had both his legs amputated after a mysterious illness that doctors still haven't determined the source.
Michael Wagaman / Associated Press:
Cardinals hit 3 HRs to back Weaver in Cardinals' 11-2 win — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) St. Louis pitcher Luke Weaver flirted with perfection, had to overcome a little frustration, and settled for domination. — The Cardinals' offense was pretty good, too. — Weaver pitched two-hit ball …
Peter Botte / New York Daily News:
If Mets don't deal Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard, they need to go all in on Manny Machado — The three-headed front office of the Mets envisions attempting to pull off a quick turnaround ahead of the trade deadline, rather than a prolonged rebuild. — That certainly flies in the face of the …
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Reds' Lorenzen would ‘absolutely’ participate in Home Run Derby at MLB All-Star Game — Would Reds relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who hit three home runs in a week in late June and has homered five times in 60 career at-bats for Cincinnati, participate in the Home Run Derby on July 16 if invited?
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
Nationals' Davey Martinez: Stephen Strasburg ‘looks really good’ — WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg is getting close to returning. — The Washington Nationals hurler, out since June 8 with shoulder inflammation, threw 50 pitches during a simulated game Friday afternoon at Nationals Park.
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Yankees shouldn't give up on Greg Bird just yet, especially not for Royals' Mike Moustakas — TORONTO - Greg Bird has still yet to get back on track after returning from right ankle surgery, and so concern about the Yankees' 25-year-old first baseman continues to linger.
Alan Shipnuck / Golf.com:
‘This will take us out of our comfort zone’: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson planning $10 million match-play showdown — Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are working on putting together a $10 million, winner-take-all match-play event. — The greatest match that never was almost took place …
Discussion:
USA Today, NESN.com, Chicago Sun-Times, CBS Boston, The Comeback, CBS Philly and Sportsnet.ca
Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times:
Mariners announce multi-year contract extension for GM Jerry Dipoto — In Jerry Dipoto's third season at the helm, his Mariners are 24 games above .500. On Friday, they rewarded him with a multi-year contract extension. — In the midst of their most successful season in a decade …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors, Lookout Landing and MLB Daily Dish