Mets Notebook: Pete Alonso shouldering the blame for recent struggles  —  Friday night with the Mets desperately trying to protect a two-run lead against the San Francisco Giants, the player that carried the team for much of the early part of the season made a costly mistake.

Tampa Bay Rays are incredible for a reason.  ‘No secrets.  No drama.’  —  PHOENIX — They're the guys driving a Ford Taurus and leading the Indy 500.  —  They're the guys who can't afford a double-double burger, let alone a filet mignon, but make In-N-Out feel like a Mastro's dining experience.

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.

Coach/GM James Wade leaves the Chicago Sky at midseason to join the Toronto Raptors coaching staff  —  Chicago Sky coach and general manager James Wade resigned from the team Saturday to accept an assistant coaching position with the NBA's Toronto Raptors, leaving the WNBA franchise reeling in the midst of a rebuilding season.

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.

Orioles place struggling reliever Keegan Akin on IL; Brandon Hyde provides updates on Dillon Tate, Austin Voth, others  —  Two days after Keegan Akin unraveled in the 10th inning of an Orioles loss, the club placed the left-handed reliever on the 15-day injured list Friday with lower back discomfort.

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 …