Blue Jays Extend Edwin Encarnacion  —  Edwin Encarnacion has been traded, claimed, non-tendered and designated for assignment in the last three years.  His next three years figure to be considerably more peaceful.  The Blue Jays announced that they signed Encarnacion to a three-year, $27MM contract extension.

Duncan sounds like he's done in the dugout  —  Dave Duncan, still officially the Cardinals' pitching coach, participated in his seventh All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Kansas City, sixth as a coach and one as a player.  —  He was in uniform for the first time since Game 7 of last year's World Series.

Top 50 prospects update  —  Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar moves into the top spot  —  At the MLB season's midpoint, just before the signing deadline for drafted players, here is a fresh look at the top 50 prospects still in the minor leagues, including a new name on top.

Mets pitcher Gee could face additional surgery  —  New York Mets right-hander Dillon Gee will be discharged from Manhattan's New York-Presbyterian Hospital later today, after doctors successfully broke up a blood clot in his pitching shoulder.  —  Gee may face an additional surgery to prevent …

Cards in the market for pitching help  —  Image  —  Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has tapped down expectations the last two years before transacting significant deals immediately before the non-waiver trade deadline July 31.  While conceding the need for pitching help …

Q&A: Terry Ryan, Twins general manager  —  Few people in baseball understand the ins and outs of scouting and player development better than Terry Ryan.  His expertise in those areas helped turn the Minnesota Twins into a model small-market franchise — six playoff berths from 2002 to 2010 …

Six first-rounders unsigned as deadline nears  —  New CBA changes strategy; last day for clubs and picks to agree is Friday  —  When the new First-Year Player Draft system was collectively bargained, the expectation was that it would rein in costs, get players to sign early and avoid signing deadline drama.

Cubs generally pleased with manager's job  —  After a victory over the Braves in Atlanta last week, Dale Sveum discussed the idea of watching Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo grow together as Cubs.  —  “Hopefully I'm around when they're here in 10 years,” the manager said.

Royals demote Montgomery to Double-A  —  Kansas City moves Dwyer from Northwest Arkansas to Omaha  —  Lefty Mike Montgomery went 3-6 with a 5.69 ERA in 17 starts for the Storm Chasers.  —  KANSAS CITY — Left-hander Mike Montgomery, one of the Royals' top pitching prospects, is taking a step back in the hope it can help him forward.

Latest On Zack Greinke  —  Despite the constant stream of rumors surrounding Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke, General Manager Doug Melvin still sounds like he wants to see how the team fares early in the second half before making deals, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Journal-Sentinel.