Mets suffer another heartbreaking defeat after David Robertson blows lead against Giants  —  Putting a slim lead in the hands of the Mets bullpen is a risky game these days.  It was no different Friday night when David Robertson gave up a three-run homer to a rookie catcher from the San Francisco Giants …

Sources: Cubs not inclined to sign Marcus Stroman to contract extension before trade deadline  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are not inclined to sign Marcus Stroman to a contract extension before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, sources told The Athletic, preferring to keep their options open …

Wittenmyer & Williams: Should Elly De La Cruz be an All-Star, in Home Run Derby this year?  —  Jason Williams Gordon WittenmyerCincinnati Enquirer … Williams: Well, I thought I was done with you after we parted ways covering the Twins back in the day.  But here we are.  Together again.

Luis Arraez chase of .400 brings back mixed memories for George Brett  —  The .400 chase by Miami Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez has Hall of Fame legend George Brett riled up and reminiscing about his chase in 1980.  —  Forty-three years ago, Brett topped .400 with six weeks to play, lighting the nation on fire.

Before rain washed away ballgame, Harrison Bader brought smiles to children's hospital: Cardinals Extra  —  Back in St. Louis for his first return to Busch Stadium as a member of the Yankees, Harrison Bader made sure one of his earliest stops in the city he called home for six seasons …

Rangers get closer Aroldis Chapman in trade with Royals  —  The Texas Rangers, who have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the majors this season, pulled off the first major trade of the summer on Friday, snagging perennial All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman from the Kansas City Royals.

Nobody slides like Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz  —  Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz turns sliding into acrobatics.  —  When he slides, he combines all of his physical tools.  De La Cruz's record-setting speed, his 6-foot-5 frame and his incredible reach give him the ability …

MLB All-Star Game starters: Fans elect seven first-timers - plus Shohei Ohtani  —  This Major League Baseball All-Star Game will feature not just new blood, but instant impact.  —  Seven first-time All-Stars were selected to start the July 11 game at Seattle's T-Mobile Park as fan balloting …

Air quality concerns delay Pirates game, cause tempers to flare between players, MLB  —  Baseball has often been described as a kids game.  —  Amid another smoky backdrop along the North Shore on Wednesday, Major League Baseball, the MLB Players' Association and the Pirates re-learned …