MLB trade deadline rumors heat up: Top players available, what to know  —  PHOENIX — We have been talking about this day for months.  —  We have devoted so many TV, radio and podcast hours, and even more written words on something that is often dreadfully boring.  —  And, mercifully, it's finally here.

What I'm hearing about the MLB trade deadline: Orioles aren't done, Royals looking for a bat  —  The Baltimore Orioles are not done.  They want to add a reliever, preferably left-handed, a right-handed hitting outfielder to replace Austin Hays and yes, maybe another starting pitcher, according to sources briefed on their plans.

Cubs acquire All-Star Isaac Paredes in trade with Rays  —  The Cubs and Rays swapped third basemen Sunday, with Christopher Morel heading to Tampa Bay while All-Star Isaac Paredes goes back to Chicago.  —  The Cubs are also sending two prospects — pitchers Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge — to the Rays in the announced deal.

Inside the Clubhouse: Trade deadline buzz about Zach Eflin, Garrett Crochet, Blue Jays and more  —  FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray has the latest news on all the hottest MLB Trade Deadline targets.  —  In recent days, the trade market has picked up.  But one high-ranking executive commented …

Red Sox' Tyler O'Neill on ninth inning play: ‘Just out of my reach’  —  BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the play left fielder Tyler O'Neill tried to make against the Green Monster with two outs in the ninth inning “is always difficult” to make.  —  “It was pushing away from him,” Cora said.

Sources: Red Sox trade for Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen  —  The Boston Red Sox are finalizing a trade to acquire catcher Danny Jansen from the Toronto Blue Jays, sources told ESPN on Saturday.  —  Jansen, 29, was one of the few starting-caliber catchers available on the trade market …

Mets ace Kodai Senga's season debut cut short by calf strain  —  NEW YORK — Kodai Senga's season debut was going about as well as the New York Mets could have hoped Friday night: The right-hander had nine strikeouts through five innings against the Atlanta Braves, and the Mets held a six-run lead …

Dodgers' needs at the trade deadline take the spotlight after another disastrous loss  —  HOUSTON — Disaster struck again for the Los Angeles Dodgers at 9 p.m. CT.  The latest trauma mustered at Minute Maid Park, a 7-6 walk-off loss to the Houston Astros, was punctuated by an Alex Bregman bat flip …

Yankees pursuing Marlins' stud closer Tanner Scott in trade talks ahead of deadline  —  Looking to enhance their bullpen in a big way, the Yankees are one of six contending teams said prominently involved in trade talks for Marlins All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott, who hasn't allowed …

Astros' GM Dana Brown: Starting pitching remains top priority at trade deadline  —  HOUSTON — Acquiring a starting pitcher to solidify their injury-ravaged rotation remains the Houston Astros' priority before Tuesday's trade deadline, general manager Dana Brown said Friday …