Top News:
Meghan Montemurro / Chicago Tribune:
'This is always where I've expected myself': Matt Mervis' journey to Wrigley Field highlights the Chicago Cubs' renewed depth — Jeff and Ellen Mervis had just arrived at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Thursday afternoon when the call came through.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, MLB.com, New Jersey Online, NBCSports.com, Daily Herald, North Side Bound and The Athletic
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Associated Press:
Early Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched from race — A bruised right foot makes the Todd Pletcher-trained horse the fifth scratch this week for today's $3 million race — LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The early favorite for the Kentucky Derby was scratched Saturday hours before the race.
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Abbey Mastracco / New York Daily News:
Mets Notebook: Carlos Carrasco's rehab delayed by stomach virus — Carlos Carrasco's return to action is being delayed by a stomach virus. The right-hander was set to go on a rehab assignment this weekend but it's been pushed back while he deals with the illness.
Gary Phillips / New York Daily News:
Jake Bauers' misplay in left field sinks Yankees as Rays take series opener — ST. PETERSBURG — Prior to the Yankees' first game of the year against the Rays, Aaron Boone shared a glowing scouting report on the Yankees' first-place, American League East rivals. — “No real weakness.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, DRaysBay, Mercury News, Yahoo Sports and Newsday
ESPN:
Astros' Luis Garcia needs Tommy John surgery on right elbow — Houston right-hander Luis Garcia needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of the season, another major blow to the Astros' starting rotation. — A date for Garcia's surgery has not been set, and the Astros …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, The Athletic, Associated Press, Battery Power and Lookout Landing
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals promote Tres Barrera to give them three catching options on roster — A few days before the Cardinals return to Wrigley Field with former All-Star catcher Willson Contreras on their side of the field, the Cardinals made the move to add a third catcher to their roster.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, The Athletic, FanSided, MLB Trade Rumors and Chicago Sun Times
Brendan Kuty / The Athletic:
Yankees' Carlos Rodón's back problem takes another twist: ‘It really sucks’ — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Injured Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodón broke his silence Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since the end of spring training.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, NBCSports.com, Yahoo Sports and New Jersey Online
Joon Lee / ESPN:
Yankees' Carlos Rodon delayed further by ‘chronic’ back issue — Carlos Rodon's debut with the New York Yankees has hit another snag. — Rodon said Friday that his back issue is “chronic,” and he will have a cortisone shot next week in hopes that it speeds up the recovery process.
Discussion:
Newsday, Pinstripe Alley, New Jersey Online, Yahoo Sports, New York Post and FanSided
Tim Kelly / Phillies Nation:
Kyle Schwarber's struggles continue as Phillies fall to Red Sox — Even Bryce Harper's return wasn't enough to halt a losing streak for the Philadelphia Phillies, as a poor evening from Kyle Schwarber contributed to the club's fifth consecutive loss, this time at the hands of the red-hot Boston Red Sox.
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
How the Baltimore Orioles became a contender — KANSAS CITY — Austin Hays debuted for the Baltimore Orioles as a late September call-up in 2017 at 21, a year after Baltimore made its last playoff appearance. The next season, spent by Hays at Double-A, they went 47-115.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit and Camden Chat
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Jacob Calvin Meyer / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles shut out for first time, Kyle Gibson stumbles again in 6-0 loss to Royals that ends in under 2 hours
Orioles shut out for first time, Kyle Gibson stumbles again in 6-0 loss to Royals that ends in under 2 hours
Discussion:
Camden Chat, Mercury News, Kansas City Star and Royals Review
Associated Press:
Spectator tumbles into Red Sox bullpen in Philadelphia — PHILADELPHIA — A spectator fell over a protective railing and into the Red Sox bullpen while reaching for a baseball in the first inning of Boston's 5-3 win against Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.
Discussion:
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pinstripe Alley, New Jersey Online, masslive.com, Associated Press and Yahoo Sports
Gabe Lacques / Yahoo Sports:
‘The Dark Knight’ Retires: Ex-Mets phenom Matt Harvey calls it quits on baseball career — Matt Harvey, one of Major League Baseball's last true pitching phenoms who thrilled New York City and navigated numerous peaks and valleys in a decadelong career, announced his retirement from the game Friday.