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.

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 …

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 …

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla explains why he has shifted the rotations and responsibilities of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown recently  —  The substitution patterns of Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been consistent and familiar for most of this season.

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.

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 …

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.

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).

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.