Top News:
Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
The AL East race could end this weekend — BOSTON — A harsh reality is beginning to set in for the New York Yankees: This might not be their year to win the American League East. — As they continue to trudge through a second half that so far has been defined by mediocrity …
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Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — OAKLAND, Calif. — It wasn't until last Aug. 30 when the Detroit Tigers' rebuilding process shifted into top gear. — On that day, an off-day which would chart the team's course for the next five years in good ways and bad, the Tigers first sent left fielder Justin Upton …
Kirk Meyer / New York Daily News:
Yankees call up Chance Adams to start Saturday's crucial game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park
Discussion:
Over the Monster and MLB Baseball News …
Martin Fennelly / Tampa Bay Times:
Worst-to-first 2008 Rays set the standard for teams that followed
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Chance Adams: Three things to know about New York Yankees' rookie starter
Mike Axisa / CBSSports.com:
The middle of the Yankees' vaunted bullpen has suddenly become a weakness
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Associated Press:
Astros edge Dodgers in World Series rematch — LOS ANGELES — In a game dripping with World Series nostalgia, not everybody was willing to embrace the symbolism Friday after the Houston Astros earned a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
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Alden GonzalezESPN / ESPN:
Retired Andre Ethier honored by Dodgers for stellar career — LOS ANGELES — Andre Ethier approached this offseason with the intent of playing. He took batting practice regularly, worked out vigorously and waited for the opportunity that ultimately never materialized.
Discussion:
True Blue LA, The Crawfish Boxes and MLB Baseball News …
Andy McCullough / Baltimore Sun:
Astros edge Dodgers 2-1 in Game 1 of World Series rematch — Los Angeles Times sports writer Andy McCullough and columnist Bill Plaschke discuss the second half of the Dodgers' season and if they can make it to the World Series by just hitting. — Kenley Jansen stewed inside the bullpen …
Bill Plaschke / Baltimore Sun:
Astros' silent approach to Roberto Osuna's domestic violence case shows hypocrisy in reigning World Series champions — Los Angeles Times sports writer Andy McCullough and columnist Bill Plaschke discuss the second half of the Dodgers' season and if they can make it to the World Series by just hitting.
Doug Miller / Associated Press:
Borucki shines as Blue Jays beat Mariners, 7-2 — SEATTLE (AP) Ryan Borucki was tiring as he prepared to enter the eighth inning for the first time in his major league career. Fortunately, the Blue Jays' rookie left-hander had the boisterous assistance of a crowd packed with Canadians vacationing a bit south of the border in Seattle.
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Reuters:
Borucki's gem leads Blue Jays over Mariners, 7-2 — Ryan Borucki pitched eight innings to earn his first major league victory as the visiting Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-2 Friday night. — Devon Travis and Russell Martin hit home runs for the Blue Jays, who have won the first two games of the series.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
John Perrotto / Associated Press:
Frazier's RBI single in 8th lifts Pirates past Cardinals 7-6 — PITTSBURGH (AP) Chris Archer didn't make it past the fifth inning in his Pittsburgh Pirates' debut. — However, he still got a standing ovation when he was removed from the game. And his team pulled out a win, too.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Holland released; Lyons to Memphis; Bader doesn't start — PITTSBURGH • One of the two relievers the Cardinals designated for assignment a week ago found a new home Friday and the other was released. — Lefthander Tyler Lyons has been outrighted to Class AAA Memphis after going through waivers.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos and MLB Trade Rumors
Janie McCauley / Toronto Sun:
Laureano's first major league hit in debut lifts A's in 13 — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Ramon Laureano reached his hands out to each side and knew he had his first major league hit at last, a big one at that to end the game. — Laureano somehow forced himself to relax with the game on the line …
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Andrew Miller throws scoreless inning of relief for Cleveland Indians against Los Angeles Angels — Despite missing nearly two months because of a knee injury, reliever Andrew Miller threw a scoreless inning for the Cleveland Indians against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field Friday night.
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Jesse RogersESPN / ESPN:
Nine teams in 11 years? Jesse Chavez's life as a baseball journeyman — ST. LOUIS — At least he didn't have to change his clocks this time. — Unlike the cross-country trips Jesse Chavez has twice had to endure during midseason trades, the reliever remained in the Central time zone …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Scott Lauber / Philly.com:
Pat Gillick believes building Phillies' 2008 World Series winner was his ticket to Hall of Fame — Pat Gillick already had built two World Series-winning teams in Toronto and a 116-win club in Seattle. Still, he felt like his legacy was not nearly complete.
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ESPN:
Cards' Dexter Fowler fractures foot — A tough season for St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler got even worse Friday night. — Fowler left St. Louis' 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning with a left foot injury. X-rays taken later showed a slight fracture …
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds notes: Mahle sent to Triple-A, Schebler returned from rehab after struggling to throw — WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rookie right-hander Tyler Mahle looked lost in his last four starts with the Reds. — The club decided to send him to Triple-A Louisville to find himself.
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Associated Press:
A Pitchers' Duel Lifts the Braves Over the Mets — Ozzie Albies hit a tiebreaking double off Jacob deGrom, Anibal Sanchez pitched six effective innings, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Mets, 2-1, on Friday night at Citi Field for their fifth straight win. — Mixing an effective cutter …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
