Top News:
Pete Caldera / NorthJersey.com:
Yanks notes: Passing on Cuban star Castillo — Pass on Castillo — The Yankees have ended any pursuit of Cuban outfielder/second baseman Rusney Castillo, according to an industry source. Castillo's power-and-speed element has him linked to interest by several other clubs …
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Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
Cuban star Rusney Castillo is sifting through offers from multiple teams, and officials with interested teams say they expect a decision soon, perhaps by the end of the week. — One of a half-dozen teams — the Red Sox, Tigers, Phillies, Cubs, Yankees and Mariners — who all worked out Castillo privately …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Metsblog, Over the Monster and Lookout Landing
Associated Press:
McCutchen activated, in lineup vs. Braves — PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen's fractured rib is healed. The reigning National League MVP is hoping his return will have the same effect on the reeling Pittsburgh Pirates. — The Pirates activated the star center fielder off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.
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Aaron Gleeman / HardballTalk:
Pirates activate Andrew McCutchen from the disabled list — Andrew McCutchen is off the disabled list and back in the Pirates' lineup after missing the minimum 15 days with a fractured rib. — McCutchen actually remained on the active roster for most of that time before the Pirates finally shut …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wacha's throwing impresses Matheny — • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196 — Michael Wacha's throwing program reached step two Monday afternoon, and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said he was taken aback — in a good way. — “I was expecting less,” …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
RELATED:
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Chapman day to day with sore shoulder — ST. LOUIS — One night after his worst performance of the season, the Reds did not have the services of closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday night vs. the Cardinals because of a sore left shoulder. — Chapman faced four batters and walked …
Discussion:
CBSSports.com
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Holliday (0 for 18) slowed by sore knee
Holliday (0 for 18) slowed by sore knee
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Jane Lee / MLB.com:
Cespedes reflects on deal sending him to Red Sox — Slugging outfielder shares fond memories of time playing in Oakland — BOSTON — Yoenis Cespedes has made a fast friend in David Ortiz. The slugging pair was cozied up to the batting cage on a recent evening at Fenway Park …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation, Amazin' Avenue, CBSSports.com and HardballTalk
Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Mets make it five straight games with four or fewer hits in loss to Cubs … The way the Mets have been struggling at the plate lately, a deficit must feel as hopeless as trying to swiftly navigate New York City rush-hour traffic. — For the fifth straight game, they were held to four or fewer hits.
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Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Carlos Torres gets no help from offense, bullpen as Mets fall to Cubs
Carlos Torres gets no help from offense, bullpen as Mets fall to Cubs
Discussion:
Metsblog
MLB.com:
Angels lose challenge, while Red Sox win theirs — Ruling on Napoli's slide stands; review overturns safe call on Pujols — BOSTON — Angels manager Mike Scioscia burned his challenge early in Monday's 4-2 victory, when replay officials ruled a call would stand that Red Sox …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Over the Monster and Halos Heaven
Jeff Beckham / Wired:
Baseball Bat With an Axe Handle Brings More Power, Fewer Injuries — The shape of a baseball bat hasn't changed much in the past 150 years, and the axe is many times older than that. By combining those age-old tools, however, the makers of the Axe Bat believe they can bring something new to the Grand Old Game.
Discussion:
NotGraphs Baseball, HardballTalk and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Indians Extend Scott Atchison — The Indians have agreed to a one-year, $1MM extension with righty Scott Atchison, the club announced via press release. According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com (via Twitter), Atchison will earn $900K next season. The deal includes a $1MM club option for 2016, which comes with a $100K buyout.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
TSN.ca:
Jays aim to keep fleeting playoff hopes alive in Milwaukee — The Sports Network — With their postseason hopes fading, the Toronto Blue Jays pay a visit to Miller Park on Tuesday night to begin a brief two-game interleague series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Associated Press:
Kratz, Vargas lead Royals over Twins 6-4 — MINNEAPOLIS — Erik Kratz had played in only five games for Kansas City since being acquired from Toronto in a trade on July 28. — But the big guy always stayed ready and that discipline paid off Monday night to keep the Royals rolling.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town, HardballTalk and ESPN