Top News:
Toronto Sun:
Retooling Cardnals aim for series win over Cubs — It may not necessarily be a white flag that the St. Louis Cardinals waved Friday, but the reshaping of their bullpen was a first step in admitting their priority lies with 2019 and not the final two months of 2018.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
RELATED:
Joe Harris / Associated Press:
DeJong, Molina lead Cardinals to a 5-2 win over Cubs — ST. LOUIS (AP) In only his second season, Paul DeJong is comfortable batting third. — DeJong had three hits and three RBIs, Yadier Molina also had three hits and drove in a run, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-2 …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Jesse RogersESPN / ESPN:
Fastball command, success at Wrigley will be critical for Cole Hamels — ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs added a huge name, Cole Hamels, for their stretch run. But will it be the Hamels everyone remembers from his glory days in Philadelphia or the one with the highest ERA and OPS against in baseball since late June?
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Brewers acquire third baseman Mike Moustakas from Royals — The Brewers found the left-handed power hitter they sought, acquiring third baseman Mike Moustakas on Friday from the Royals to complete a second significant trade in two days as the club makes a push for its first playoff appearance since 2011.
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Acquire Mike Moustakas — The Brewers have lined up with the Royals on a deal that will bring third baseman Mike Moustakas to Milwaukee, as MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan first reported (via Twitter). Outfielder Brett Phillips and righty Jorge Lopez are going to Kansas City in return.
Vahe Gregorian / Kansas City Star:
Moustakas had to go, but deal underscores how Royals are stranded between eras
Moustakas had to go, but deal underscores how Royals are stranded between eras
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Keith LawESPN Senior / ESPN:
How well did Phillies, Brewers shore up their infields? — With the pace of deadline deals already picking up, Keith Law provides his analysis of a stack of recent transactions: the Philadelphia Phillies' acquisition of infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the New York Mets for Franklyn Kilome …
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Mike Berardino / Twin Cities:
Brian Dozier on the radar for Indians, Giants as trade deadline approaches
Brian Dozier on the radar for Indians, Giants as trade deadline approaches
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Toronto Sun:
Diamondbacks hope to take advantage of games vs. Padres — SAN DIEGO — Opportunity is knocking for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the form of the San Diego Padres. — Following the Diamondbacks' 6-2 victory over the Padres Friday night, the Diamondbacks have 57 games remaining on the regular season.
RELATED:
Bernie Wilson / The Charlotte Observer:
Greinke wins 7th straight decision, Diamondbacks cruise 6-2
Greinke wins 7th straight decision, Diamondbacks cruise 6-2
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Tyler Chatwood heading to Cubs bullpen with Cole Hamels set to make debut Wednesday — Cubs pitcher Tyler Chatwood discusses his demotion to the bullpen to make room for Cole Hamels on Saturday, July 28, 2018. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
No target date for Kris Bryant's return: 'I'm trying to be smart about it'
No target date for Kris Bryant's return: 'I'm trying to be smart about it'
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and MLB Baseball News …
Larry Fleisher / UPI:
Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees to play two after rainout — NEW YORK — The sight of Aaron Judge wincing in pain after taking a fastball off his right wrist was enough to make New York Yankees fans cringe and hope for the best. — The Yankees announced after Thursday's game that Judge …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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Toronto Sun:
Astros rely on depth against Rangers — HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have quality depth throughout their 40-man roster, with the opener of their series against the Texas Rangers offering the latest test of their accumulation of talent. — With second baseman Jose Altuve (right knee discomfort) …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Toronto Sun:
Boston's Porcello aims for win No. 13 — BOSTON — Rick Porcello has hardly dominated Minnesota throughout his career. — But the right-hander did beat the Twins in Minnesota in June, and Saturday night he tries to do it again when the Red Sox face the Twins in Game 3 of the four-game series at Fenway Park.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
RELATED:
Phil Miller / Star Tribune:
Twins rally, but lose to Boston on walk-off home run in 10th inning
Twins rally, but lose to Boston on walk-off home run in 10th inning
Discussion:
Over the Monster and MLB Baseball News …
Kyle Downing / MLB Trade Rumors:
Trade Talks On Chris Archer “Intensifying” — Chris Archer has been the subject of trade speculation all season, and now talks surrounding Tampa Bay's prized right-hander are “intensifying”, per a report from ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. — A trade isn't quite imminent, it seems …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, NESN.com and Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays fans, enjoy Chris Archer while you can
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: 'I'm just the old crusty school guy who keeps running out there': Number-crunching nerds make Jon Lester laugh — Chicago Tribune — Cubs starter Jon Lester is good for a rant a week about baseball analytics, and they're always entertaining. — Lester ranked 61st in pitchers' WAR …
Fox Sports:
Phillies get INF Cabrera from Mets for pitching prospect — CINCINNATI (AP) The NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies acquired infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the New York Mets on Friday for Double-A right-hander Franklyn Kilome. — Cabrera was hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs as the Mets' second baseman.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Minor League Ball and baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Wes Crosby / Star Tribune:
Freese 5 RBIs, single in 9th lifts Pirates over Mets 5-4
Freese 5 RBIs, single in 9th lifts Pirates over Mets 5-4
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Brent W. New / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Freeland, Arenado help Rockies cool down A's 3-1 — Kyle Freeland threw six shutout innings, — Oakland Athletics with a 3-1 victory on Friday night. — Freeland (9-6) allowed five hits while striking out five, walking three and hitting a batter. Colorado's starting pitching is 6-0 with a 1.65 ERA at Coors Field in July.
Discussion:
Purple Row, Denver Post and Athletics Nation
Alex Butler / UPI:
Juan Soto, Max Scherzer lead Washington Nationals over Miami Marlins — Rookie phenom Juan Soto and ace Max Scherzer led the Washington Nationals in a 9-1 thrashing of the Miami Marlins Friday at Marlins Park. — Scherzer dazzled for eight innings, allowing just three hits and one run while tossing 11 strikeouts.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Sports Illustrated and MLB Baseball News …
Patrick Rose / Associated Press:
Gurriel Jr. homers twice in Jays' 10-5 rout of White Sox — CHICAGO (AP) — Marcus Stroman might be watching the next emerging star in Toronto. — Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit two of Toronto's five home runs, Curtis Granderson led off the game with a homer and the Blue Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 10-5 on Friday night.