MLB umpire Pat Hoberg disciplined for violating gambling rules  —  Major League Baseball has disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league's gambling rules.  Hoberg is appealing the decision.  —  The league acknowledged the investigation in response to inquiries by The Athletic.

Astros' Justin Verlander scratched vs. Tigers with neck issue  —  Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander was scratched from Saturday's start against the Detroit Tigers because of neck discomfort.  —  “He's been actually dealing with this for like the last two weeks, trying to pitch through it,” manager Joe Espada said.

Yankees' Gerrit Cole fans 10 in 4⅓ innings in 3rd rehab start  —  Yankees ace Gerrit Cole struck out 10 batters in a Triple-A game Friday night, perhaps the final hurdle before he returns from an elbow injury and joins New York's rotation for the first time this season.

Still-too-early 2024 MLB All-Stars: AL, NL roster predictions  —  Selecting the 2024 All-Star teams won't be quite as difficult as solving The New York Times crossword puzzle, but it might bring a similar sense of exasperation.  —  For starters, consider what's happened to some of the game's biggest stars …

Potential White Sox trade chip Michael Kopech is drawing plenty of interest from scouts of opposing teams  —  (670 The Score) With the trade deadline looming on July 30, MLB scouts are busy evaluating the form of potential acquisitions for their respective teams.

Yankees approaching MLB trade deadline with a bullpen focus  —  The Yankees believe they are probably covered at first base with DJ LeMahieu and second with Jon Berti, Oswaldo Peraza and LeMahieu (who can play both spots) if either Gleyber Torres or Anthony Rizzo doesn't regain his usual form.

Lakers' draft needs: Bronny James isn't the only prospect drawing L.A.'s interest  —  As the Lakers have moved ahead in their coaching search, a journey that now includes in-person organizational interviews with JJ Redick this weekend, the team has still been conducting workouts as they prepare …

Maikel Garcia's game-ending hit gives Royals win over Yankees  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two-run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.

White Sox OF Andrew Benintendi returns, whiffs as pinch hitter  —  SEATTLE — The Chicago White Sox activated outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday night's game against the Seattle Mariners.  —  Benintendi, who had been sidelined by left Achilles tendinitis …

How Jeremiah Estrada invented the chitter and made history  —  JEREMIAH ESTRADA'S ASCENSION from fringe major leaguer to one of baseball's most dominant relief pitchers began last December at the San Diego Padres' biomechanics lab in Point Loma.  —  It was mere weeks after the Chicago Cubs …