Top News:
Meghan Montemurro / Chicago Tribune:
Javier Assad struggles with his command in Chicago Cubs' 6-2 loss to Arizona Diamondbacks in opener of 4-game series — Javier Assad's command has been a staple of his big-league success. — Since his transition to the rotation one month ago, it has served as the basis for his ability to give the Chicago Cubs quality starts.
Discussion:
Denver Post, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Marquee Sports Network and Boston Herald
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Greg Moore / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks get big win going into key part of playoff stretch, starting against the Cubs — The Arizona Diamondbacks fought back Wednesday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies, showing a crucial trait they'll need over the next few weeks with a playoff spot on the line.
Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks lose must-win game to Rockies in playoff chase — Nick Piecoro Theo MackieArizona Republic — Torey Lovullo did not want to give Tuesday's game against the Rockies the must-win moniker, perhaps because his team lost it. He did, though, manage it that way.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports and MLB Trade Rumors
Gordon Wittenmyer / Cincinnati.com:
Joey Votto returns to Cincinnati Reds lineup for playoff push Sunday against Cardinals — Add one more big name to the Cincinnati Reds' growing list of reinforcements getting healthy enough quickly enough to return to the lineup during this weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
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Charlie Goldsmith / Cincinnati.com:
‘No mercy.’ Here's why the Cincinnati Reds are looking forward to the stretch run — The Cincinnati Reds took off for Anaheim on Aug. 20 and flew into a city experiencing a hurricane. It was the start of a 17-game stretch in 17 days that included two doubleheaders and was filled with chances …
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and Yahoo Sports
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
MLB places Dodgers' Julio Urías on administrative leave — Major League Baseball announced it placed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias on administrative leave Wednesday, three days after police arrested the left-hander on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
Discussion:
USA Today, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, True Blue LA and New York Post
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ESPN:
After ‘extremely disappointing’ Julio Urías arrest, Dodgers mull options — Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman said Julio Urías' arrest on felony domestic violence charges was “extremely disappointing” and noted that the organization is considering multiple options …
Discussion:
The Athletic, Daily News, Yahoo Sports, New York Post, Orange County Register, True Blue LA, Los Angeles Times and KNBR
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Exclusive: 25 years later, Mark McGwire still gets emotional reliving 1998 Home Run Chase — Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa captured the nation's imagination in the summer of 1998. Twenty-five years later, the magic from that season lives on. — IRVINE, Calif. — Mark McGwire …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
ESPN:
Reports: Mookie Betts (foot) leaves ballpark on crutches — Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts left LoanDepot Park in Miami on crutches after fouling a ball off his foot Thursday night against the Marlins, according to multiple reports. — X-rays reportedly were negative.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Los Angeles Times, New York Post, AZ Snake Pit and True Blue LA
CNN:
At least 14 killed as fierce storms and severe flooding lash southern Europe — At least 14 people have died and several remain missing across Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria as torrential rain and severe flooding batter southern Europe. — Flooding has claimed at least three lives in mainland Greece …
Jacob Calvin Meyer / Baltimore Sun:
Shintaro Fujinami, Orioles' seventh reliever, secures 5-4, 10-inning win over Angels: 'He's got electric stuff' — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shintaro Fujinami hadn't been trusted to pitch in high-leverage situations in more than two weeks. — Orioles manager Brandon Hyde had no choice Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Camden Chat, The Baltimore Banner and Denver Post
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David Hall / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday ‘grateful’ to be in Triple-A amid ‘crazy’ year
Discussion:
Forbes and New York Post
Associated Press:
Marlins place Sandy Alcantara, Jorge Soler on injured list — MIAMI — The Marlins placed reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara and star slugger Jorge Soler on the injured list Wednesday, dealing a blow to Miami's postseason hopes. — Alcantara is sidelined because of a right forearm strain …
Discussion:
The Good Phight, Yahoo Sports, Sun-Sentinel and MLB Trade Rumors
Bradford Doolittle / ESPN:
Aces Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer set for first showdown — ARLINGTON, Texas — As arguably the two best right-handed pitchers of their generation, the relationship between the Texas Rangers' Max Scherzer and the Houston Astros' Justin Verlander has taken many forms.
Discussion:
The Athletic, New York Post and New Jersey Online
