Anthony Rizzo pitches for first time in MLB career as Cubs turn to position players again  —  Anthony Rizzo, star first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, has apparently wanted to pitch in an MLB game for years.  —  Manager Joe Maddon finally granted his star's wish Monday as the Cubs used position players …

What should Aaron Boone do about Gary Sanchez's lack of hustle?  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — One day after two horrid displays of hustle and situational awareness, the New York Yankees find themselves at their first real crossroads of the Aaron Boone managerial era.

Rick Porcello throws 6 shutout innings as Red Sox top Orioles 5-3  —  The Boston Red Sox are dominating most major league teams this season, so it comes as no surprise that they've had their way against the worst of the bunch.  —  Rick Porcello scattered six hits over six scoreless innings …

RHP Shane Bieber recalled by Indians to start against Pittsburgh  —  CLEVELAND — Right-hander Shane Bieber was recalled by Cleveland from Triple-A Columbus to start against Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.  —  Infielder Yandy Diaz was optioned to Columbus to make room for Bieber …

Chase Utley's homecoming dissolves into difficult loss for Phillies |  Extra Innings  —  Chase Utley's return to Citizens Bank Park 10 days after he announced that he will retire at the end of the season made for some interesting theater Monday night.  The ambience was aided by a crowd …

Cubs activate Eddie Butler, option Luke Farrell to Triple-A Iowa  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Eddie Butler will rejoin the Cubs' pitching staff after more than three months on the disabled list.  —  Butler was activated from the 60-day DL prior to Tuesday night's game against the Diamondbacks.

Cardinals, Reds not quite sure about pitching matchup  —  Austin Gomber has exactly zero career major league starts, so the St. Louis Cardinals won't quite know what they'll have when he takes the mound Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds.  —  Homer Bailey has made 204 career starts …

First impressions of the Manny Machado-infused Dodgers  —  MILWAUKEE — The Manny Machado watch has ended, and we now know that the gem of this year's trade deadline market will be calling Chavez Ravine home, at least for the next few months.  Springing into fashion is the No. 8 Dodgers jersey, last worn by Shane Victorino in 2012.

A's Opening Day starter Kendall Graveman to have Tommy John surgery  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Kendall Graveman, the A's Opening Day starter, will have Tommy John surgery Monday in Dallas and will be out 12 to 14 months.  —  “It's been kind of tough,” Graveman told The Chronicle on Tuesday.

Next Slide  —  One of the most infamous moments in baseball history turns 35 on Tuesday.  —  On July 24, 1983, Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to give his team the lead against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.

Trade talk we're hearing: Who wants Hamels, what's next for Orioles  —  Under typical circumstances, Texas Rangers starter Cole Hamels might be the prize of the trade deadline.  He's a tested veteran with four All-Star appearances and a 2008 World Series MVP Award on his resume.

Javier Baez and Yolmer Sanchez win Heart and Hustle award  —  The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association has announced the 30 preliminary winners of the 2018 Heart & Hustle Award.  —  Javier Baez was the  —  Cubs winner while  —  Yolmer Sanchez won it for the  —  White Sox.

Rays' Kevin Cash on trade market: 'I think we'll be very active'  —  With the trade deadline a week away and rumors about Chris Archer, Nathan Eovaldi and other Rays swirling, manager Kevin Cash said he expected a lot of action.  —  “I would say, in all honesty, we're going to be very active,” Cash said.