Astros' Alex Bregman rips umpires with profane rant after fan-interference call  —  Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman responded with a string of expletives Wednesday when asked for his reaction to his sixth-inning triple, which was later overturned due to fan interference.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jesse Winker likely out for the season with a shoulder injury  —  Throughout the last couple of seasons, Jesse Winker has dealt with pain his right shoulder.  —  After aggravating the injury Monday, Winker is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Cubs fan saved from serious injury at Wrigley Field thanks to wearing bucket on his head  —  One 19-year-old Chicago Cubs fan decided to wear a bucket — yes, a bucket — on his head during Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.  —  And as it turns out …

David Bote's 2-run homer, Anthony Rizzo's walk-off HR lift Cubs to 7-6 win over Diamondbacks  —  David Bote, Anthony Rizzo and Joe Maddon discuss the Cubs' walk-off win against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, July 26, 2018.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Astros Acquire Martin Maldonado  —  The Astros have struck a deal with the division-rival Angels to acquire backstop Martin Maldonado, as Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group first reported (via Twitter).  Young lefty Patrick Sandoval will go to the Angels along with $250K in international pool money.

Cubs acquire Cole Hamels in trade with Rangers  —  Gearing up for another October run, the Chicago Cubs made a big move Thursday night, acquiring veteran lefty Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.  —  The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports …

Buy or sell?  Strasburg's injury leaves Nats scrambling at deadline  —  Back in February, manager Davey Martinez brought camels to spring training, a living breathing metaphor intended to help the Washington Nationals get over the playoff hump.  Five months later, Stephen Strasburg's injury woes …

Hechavarria helps depleted Rays beat rebuilding Orioles 4-3  —  Adeiny Hechavarria singled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning, and the  —  Baltimore Orioles 4-3 Thursday night in a matchup of teams in selling mode near the non-waiver trade deadline.

Olney: Archer?  Thor?  What the heck are the Padres thinking?  —  Over the next five days, deals based in logic will continue to go down.  The Dodgers, having already added Manny Machado to plug the hole created the Corey Seager injury, will add another reliever.

Is it time to trade deGrom?  The Mets have a big choice to make  —  I'm not advocating that the Mets trade Jacob deGrom.  I'm not advocating that the Mets keep Jacob deGrom.  This isn't a hot take.  There are plenty of those all over talk radio or the internet or your local bar …

Albies set to return as Braves take on Dodgers  —  It appears the Atlanta Braves' offense will get a lift, just in the nick of time.  —  The Braves are expected to get second baseball Ozzie Albies back in the lineup when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town to begin a four-game series at SunTrust Park.

Phillies considering a promotion for Roman Quinn  —  CINCINNATI - Roman Quinn returned to triple A this week for the first time since suffering yet another injury and his next stop could be the majors as the Phillies may add him Friday to supplement their shortened bench.

Mets' Matz struggles early, battles to complete six innings  —  Matz: 6 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 9 K  —  Mets LHP Steven Matz wasn't entirely effective against the Pirates but, with ample help from the bats, he was able to do enough to give his team a chance to win.

Joe Maddon on talk about trading for a pitcher: 'I haven't got one name'  —  Chicago Tribune  —  If any trade talks involving a starting pitcher are percolating, it's news to Cubs manager Joe Maddon.  —  With Tuesday's 3 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline approaching, Maddon …

Judge hit by pitch, leaves early as Yankees beat Royals 7-2  —  Aaron Judge was hit on his right wrist by a pitch and forced to leave early Thursday night, overshadowing New York's 7-2 romp past the  —  Kansas City Royals.  —  The Yankees said Judge was seen by a team doctor at the stadium and taken to a hospital for an MRI.

Position Players on the Hill?  Now It's Not Just Fun, It's a Pretty Smart Move Too  —  Position players are pitching more often in MLB this season, a trend that's only growing.  —  Ten years ago last week, Tony Peña, Jr. headed to the mound for the ninth inning of a game between the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.