Cardinals trade ex-Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery to Rangers, Jordan Hicks sent to Blue Jays: reports  —  The St. Louis Cardinals are unloading valuable arms ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.  —  The Cardinals traded former Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the Texas Rangers, according to reports.

Orioles option starting pitcher Tyler Wells to Double-A after string of bad starts  —  The Orioles' best starting pitcher in the first half of the season is now in Double-A.  —  Baltimore optioned Tyler Wells down to Double-A Bowie after his third straight ineffective start Saturday, the team announced Sunday afternoon.

Sources: Cubs tell teams Cody Bellinger won't be traded  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs' turnaround on the field has led to a change in strategy off it as opposing teams have been told outfielder and free-agent-to-be Cody Bellinger will not be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Brewers acquire Mark Canha from Mets, per report  —  Justin Jarvis goes back to New York in return  —  The Brewers have added another bat to their lineup via trade, with Will Sammon of The Athletic reporting that Milwaukee has acquired Mark Canha from the New York Mets.

Angels Acquire Randal Grichuk, C.J. Cron From Rockies  —  The Angels have acquired outfielder Randal Grichuk and first baseman C.J. Cron from the Rockies, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand (Twitter link).  Right-hander Jake Madden and left-hander Mason Albright will be headed to the Rockies.

John Mozeliak: Cardinals are ‘not trading’ Nolan Arenado, focused on ‘future success’  —  In a brief statement that offers both clarity and direction, Cardinals executive John Mozeliak said the team is “not trading” All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado and remains focused on building a roster for …

As trade deadline approaches, Red Sox listening on Alex Verdugo (sources)  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Red Sox have expressed to other clubs that they're willing to listen to offers for outfielder Alex Verdugo ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, multiple sources told MassLive.

Braves, Royals Swap Nicky Lopez, Taylor Hearn  —  The Braves have acquired infielder Nicky Lopez from the Royals in a one-for-one swap that will send left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City.  The Braves have officially announced the deal, and MLB.com's Anne Rogers was the first to report that Lopez was on his way to Atlanta.

Lance Lynn trade grades: Dodgers get ‘A’ for adding veteran starter, reliever Joe Kelly in swap with White Sox  —  The Dodgers have added a pair of veteran arms to their staff for the stretch run  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired righties Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly from the Chicago White Sox …