Top News:
Fox Sports:
Astros' Norris a good bet to be moved — HOUSTON — Meet Bud Norris. He's a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros. He loves to golf. Born and raised in Marin County, Calif., educated at Cal Poly, Norris and his girlfriend are proud owners of an Alaskan Klee Kai named Bailey.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and McCovey Chronicles
RELATED:
Michael Periatt / MLB.com:
Ross sidelined by second concussion — BOSTON — For the second time this season, David Ross was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list. — The move, which was announced after the first game of the Red Sox's doubleheader against the Rays, resulted from a foul tip hitting …
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster, Over the Monster and HardballTalk
Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Jeff Francis leaves Colorado Rockies to make room for Roy Oswalt — TORONTO — Jeff Francis' locker was cleared out Wednesday, and his time with the Rockies could be over. — Though a roster move will not be official until Thursday, Francis will not re-join the team in Washington.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Bans likely, MLB starts interviewing players in Biogenesis probe — Major League Baseball has started interviewing big leaguers linked to the Miami PED investigation, and people who have spoken to MLB investigators are convinced there will be at least some suspensions handed down in the explosive case.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, HardballTalk, Brew Crew Ball, Pinstriped Bible, River Avenue Blues and Miami New Times
Aaron Gleeman / HardballTalk:
Astros sign No. 1 pick Mark Appel — Making official what was reported earlier this week, the Astros announced that they've come to an agreement with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel. — Appel, who turned down $3.8 million from the Pirates last year as the No. 8 pick, is expected to receive around $6.35 million.
Discussion:
SI Wire, The Crawfish Boxes and Al's Ramblings
Associated Press:
Yankees Spoil Mattingly's Return to Bronx — NEW YORK — Hiroki Kuroda shut down his former team into the seventh inning, Ichiro Suzuki homered and drove in three runs, and the New York Yankees spoiled Don Mattingly's return to the Bronx with a 6-4 victory over the sloppy Los Angeles Dodgers …
Discussion:
True Blue LA, CBSSports.com and Canadian Press
Associated Press:
Chris Davis' 2 HRs Help Orioles Blast Tigers 13-3 — DETROIT — Chris Davis cleared the fences twice, giving him a major-league leading 26 homers, to help the Baltimore Orioles beat the Detroit Tigers 13-3 Wednesday. — Davis hit a two-run homer and Taylor Teagarden followed with a three-run home run in Baltimore's six-run fourth.
Discussion:
Camden Chat and CBSSports.com
Alex Speier / Full Count:
Red Sox set to finalize deal with first-rounder Trey Ball — According to multiple industry sources, the Red Sox' deal with first-round pick Trey Ball is in the last stages before becoming official. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 draft is expected to sign today, with a media introduction to follow.
Discussion:
Over the Monster, MLB Rumors and CBSSports.com
TSN.ca:
Jays look to push win streak to eight, sweep Rockies — The Sports Network — (Sports Network) - Veteran lefty Mark Buehrle makes his third career start against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night, when the Toronto Blue Jays host them and go for the sweep in the finale of a three-game interleague series at Rogers Centre.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Canadian Press
Matier And Ross:
Mystery mass — not old pipes — blamed in Coliseum sewage mess — Plumbing backup hits Oakland Coliseum. Chronicle photo by Lance Iverson — Sunday's big stink at the Oakland Coliseum was not the result of poor plumbing in an aging stadium, ballpark management says, but rather someone stuffing something down a pipe.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Athletics Nation
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Putz getting ready to start rehab assignment — PHOENIX — D-backs reliever J.J. Putz left the team to join Triple-A Reno on Tuesday to begin an injury rehabilitation assignment. — Putz, who has been on the disabled list with a strained elbow since May 8, is scheduled to pitch for Reno on Thursday and Saturday.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Zach Links / MLB Rumors:
Mike Zagurski Elects Free Agency — WEDNESDAY: Zagurski has elected free agency, MLBTR has learned. His dominant numbers at Triple-A Indianapolis this season should lead to some interest from other clubs. In 21 innings, Zagurski pitched to a 2.14 ERA with 37 strikeouts (15.9 K/9) and nine walks (3.9 BB/9).
Discussion:
Pirates Prospects and Bucs Dugout