Top News:
The Athletic:
Astros are pursuing Blake Snell: Sources — The Houston Astros are at it again. — In January, they signed closer Josh Hader, the best closer on the free-agent market. Now, according to sources briefed on their discussions, they are engaged in a serious pursuit of left-hander Blake Snell, the best starter on the market.
Discussion:
MLB.com, NBC Sports Bay Area …, Pinstripe Alley, New York Post, ClutchPoints, New Jersey Online, Lone Star Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Chandler Rome / The Athletic:
Blake Snell to Astros? Why the reigning Cy Young Award winner could fit well — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Astros owner Jim Crane coveted Blake Snell and Josh Hader during last season's trade deadline, but lamented afterward that the duo “never got on the board.”
Discussion:
The Athletic, MLB Trade Rumors, ClutchPoints, Sportsnet.ca and Bleacher Nation
Jorge Castillo / ESPN:
Yankees' Gerrit Cole won't need Tommy John surgery, source says — The New York Yankees received positive news Thursday: Gerrit Cole was informed he will not need Tommy John surgery, at least for now, after visiting Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for a second opinion on his right elbow …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Sportsnet.ca, New York Post, ClutchPoints, Yahoo Sports, MLB.com, baseballmusings.com and New Jersey Online
RELATED:
New York Post:
Gerrit Cole can avoid Tommy John surgery in Yankees' sigh of relief — The Yankees are close to Cy'ing with relief. — After Gerrit Cole visited with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday, the belief for now is the Yankees ace can avoid Tommy John surgery, The Post has learned.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
What's next for Yankees after Gerrit Cole's injury news? — As the New York Yankees await news on the severity of Gerrit Cole's elbow issue, the reality of the calendar is this: He will be unavailable for a potentially significant period of time, and they are going to need to identify someone to pitch the games he cannot.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, Bleacher Nation, NESN.com and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol earns 2-year extension — JUPITER, Fla. — Coming off a last-place finish in the NL Central, the St. Louis Cardinals displayed confidence in manager Oliver Marmol and announced a two-year contract extension through 2026. — “The most important thing for Oli …
Discussion:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MLB Trade Rumors, The Athletic, The Cardinal Nation, KSDK-TV and ClutchPoints
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Padres acquire RHP Dylan Cease in trade with White Sox — MLB, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres — The San Diego Padres have acquired right-hander Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox, it was announced on Wednesday. — The White Sox are receiving right-hander Drew Thorpe …
RELATED:
The Athletic:
Padres acquire Dylan Cease from White Sox in 5-player trade
Discussion:
New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, FriarWire, Just Baseball, ClutchPoints, MLB.com, New Jersey Online, FanGraphs Baseball, Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports Chicago, Baseball America, New York Post, MLB Trade Rumors, Associated Press, USA Today, Gaslamp Ball, Lone Star Ball, DraftKings Network and NBC Sports Bay Area …
Evan Rawal / Colorado Hockey Now:
REPORT: Avalanche Players Knew They'd Lose Byram Eventually — When Devon Toews signed his extension with the Colorado Avalanche at the start of the regular season, it essentially put a ceiling on how high Bowen Byram could go on the depth chart in Colorado.
Marc Dumont / Montreal Hockey Now:
Canadiens Trades: Allen Blocked Trade To Devils Earlier In Season — The Montreal Canadiens entered the season with three goaltenders on their roster, a situation that was finally resolved a few hours before the trade deadline when the team traded Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils.
Discussion:
New Jersey Hockey Now, New Jersey Online, Detroit Hockey Now and Colorado Hockey Now
Jon Heyman / New York Post:
Angels possibly had chance to keep Shohei Ohtani — Folks around the Angels believe Shohei Ohtani had a good chance to return had the Angels accepted the $700 million deferred deal that was being offered to the finalists (at least the Blue Jays and Giants accepted in addition to the Dodgers).
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, ClutchPoints, Los Angeles Times, Yahoo Sports and The Athletic
Associated Press:
Bill Plummer, backup C in ‘Big Red Machine’ era, dies at 76 — CINCINNATI — Bill Plummer, a reliable catcher who spent spent seven seasons backing up Johnny Bench during the “Big Red Machine” era and later served as a coach and manager in the majors and minors, has died. He was 76.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and MLB Trade Rumors
CNN:
RFK Jr.'s VP prospect Aaron Rodgers has shared false Sandy Hook conspiracy theories in private conversations — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has confirmed that among his potential vice-presidential prospects is New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers …
John Shea / San Francisco Chronicle:
Optimistic A's manager Mark Kotsay has lofty ‘expectation’ of a .500 season — MESA, Ariz. — Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay had a smile on his face as he sauntered into the Hohokam Stadium clubhouse Tuesday morning. Consecutive 100-loss seasons and the franchise's messy relocation business …
Discussion:
NBC Sports Bay Area …
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources - Brewers' Devin Williams out with stress fractures — Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back and is expected to miss around three months, sources told ESPN on Wednesday, a significant blow for the National League Central champions …
