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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Orioles Sign Cuban Outfielder Henry Urrutia  —  The Orioles have signed Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia to a minor league contract with a bonus of $778,500.  —  Since Urrutia turned 25 in February and has played at least three seasons in Cuba's top league, his bonus will not count …