Aaron Judge out for at least three weeks with wrist fracture after being hit by pitch  —  The New York Yankees' quest to take down the Boston Red Sox in the American League East may have just gotten a lot harder.  Aaron Judge will be out three weeks after getting hit by a pitch Thursday.

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 hoping for vintage Cole Hamels as they make playoff push  —  CHICAGO — He was an All-Star as recently as 2016, when he went 15-5, but new Chicago Cubs lefty Cole Hamels has seen his ERA rise rapidly over the past three seasons, from 3.32 that year to 4.20 in 2017 to 4.72 right now, as he takes his distinguished career to Chicago.

Zach Britton pitches a scoreless eighth inning in Yankees debut  —  There was a ripple of pride through Washington Heights when it was announced that the Yankees has pulled off a trade for closer Zach Britton.  Known as the Little Dominican Republic, the Yankees were getting one of the family.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …