2022 Midseason Organization Talent Rankings  —  Thanks in part to having the top position player prospect and the top pitching prospect in the game, even after graduating preseason No. 1 prospect Adley Rutschman, the Baltimore Orioles lead our August update of our midseason farm system talent rankings.

Rafael Devers has long been criticized for his defense, but the numbers — and those around him — are seeing progress  —  PITTSBURGH - New Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer was aware of new teammate Rafael Devers's reputation as a below-average defensive third baseman before joining the Sox.

Chicago White Sox run out of late-inning magic in 3-2 loss: 'Law of averages says you're not going to capitalize every time, but it felt like we were'  —  Adam Engel began the seventh inning with a broken-bat single to center.  He represented the tying run for the Chicago White Sox against the Houston Astros.

Braves get an early jump on Dansby Swanson extension talks  —  The Braves have opened extension talks with Dansby Swanson, and if they can lock up the Georgia product, that would leave three likely top free-agent shortstops: Trea Turner, plus Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Correa (who are likely to opt out).

Royals GM J.J. Picollo on his young roster, playing time and Adalberto Mondesi's future  —  The Kansas City Royals moved into a new phase with the major-league club roster earlier this summer.  They have 13 rookies on the active roster, taking up half of the 26 spots.

MLB Umpires Association, adamant that crews are simply upholding rule, address home-plate collision rule in statement  —  CHICAGO — The Major League Baseball Umpires Association released a tersely worded statement Wednesday regarding the criticism umpires are receiving due to the home-plate collision rule.

Mets starter Carlos Carrasco to miss next three to four weeks with low-grade oblique strain  —  ATLANTA — Mets starter Carlos Carrasco was placed on the 15-day IL due to a low-grade strain in his left oblique.  The Mets estimate his recovery timetable to be about three to four weeks.

Verbal exchange with Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras gets 2 fans banned from Nationals Park for 5 years  —  WASHINGTON — Two fans are banned from Nationals Park for five years after a heated exchange with Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.  —  The incident occurred in the top …

Panthers expected to name QB Baker Mayfield Week 1 starter: Sources  —  The Carolina Panthers are expected to name Baker Mayfield their starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns for Week 1 of the 2022 season, sources confirmed to The Athletic.  He's been competing with Sam Darnold …

Tigers' Tarik Skubal has flexor tendon surgery, likely to miss chunk of 2023 season  —  Cleveland — Tigers manager AJ Hinch announced that left-handed starting pitcher Tarik Skubal had flexor tendon surgery Wednesday in Los Angeles.  —  The surgery was performed by specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Yankees' rain delay rally could be turning point  —  If Wednesday night turns out to really be a turning point in this season, blame it on the rain.  The hour and three minute rain delay in the seventh inning of their dramatic come-from-behind win over the Rays, gave the Yankees hitters …

Dolphins camp: Jevon Holland with two picks as practice ends abruptly; plus stock up, stock down  —  MIAMI GARDENS — It's not hyperbole to say Miami Dolphins second-year safety Jevon Holland has the look of a future All-Pro.  —  Holland continued his standout training camp that has followed …