MLB midseason awards: Biggest surprises and disappointments of 2024  —  PHOENIX — It's been a first half where two teams getting their last rites suddenly kicked the priests out of the room and are running down the halls ready to party into October.  —  Yes, we're talking about you, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals.

Alek Thomas to Continue Rehab Games with Reno Monday  —  The Diamondbacks' center fielder has missed all but four games this year, but his return seems imminent.  —  Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo gave an update regarding centerfielder Alek Thomas' rehab games and next steps.

Diamondbacks DFA Tucker Barnhart, clears way for Gabriel Moreno's return  —  The Diamondbacks designated Tucker Barnhart for assignment on Sunday, likely cutting ties with the veteran catcher halfway through the season.  —  The move clears the way for catcher Gabriel Moreno to be reinstated …

Home Run Derby rule changes aimed at reducing frantic pace  —  BALTIMORE — The rules for the 2024 Home Run Derby have been altered significantly, with some of the changes designed to reduce the frantic pace that has concerned past participants.  —  Within each player's timed round …

Milwaukee Brewers hit five grand slams in eight-game span  —  MILWAUKEE — It was just over a week ago when the Milwaukee Brewers always seemed to struggle with the bases loaded.  That may be a surprise to the NL Central leaders' recent opponents.  —  The Brewers have hit five grand slams …

KC Royals climb back into AL Central race, taking 3 of 4 from Guardians: recap  —  The Kansas City Royals faced perhaps their biggest challenge of the 2024 season this weekend.  —  A four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians.  —  The American League Central rivals entered as surprise contenders.

Phillies' Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber go on IL, but avoid significant injuries: Sources  —  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will each miss at least 10 days, as the Phillies placed two of their most important players on the injured list Friday, but major-league sources said both had avoided significant injuries.

Celtics plan to pick up Sam Hauser's player option for 2024-25 season  —  The Celtics are planning to pick up forward Sam Hauser's $2.1 million option for the 2024-25 season prior to Saturday's 5 p.m. deadline, according to multiple league sources.  —  A source said that the two sides …

Jed Hoyer says Cubs' woes surprising, could lead to sell-off  —  MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said ownership is “clearly frustrated” with the way the team has played this season and if its position in the standings doesn't improve …

MLB trade deadline watch: Rays may have arms to move; which teams are eyeing struggling Cubs  —  MLB trade deadline watch is a collection of news and notes from our reporting team of Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal.  —  Injuries have hit the Tampa Bay Rays' rotation hard this season.

Mets' Luis Severino has successfully reinvented himself  —  With about a month until the trade deadline, the Mets' status remains uncertain, many variations of several approaches still feasible: Buy for a real run at a wild-card spot, sell if that doesn't seem worth it, some of both to try …