Top News:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers Acquire Lucas Harrell, Dario Alvarez — The Rangers have added some depth to their rotation and bullpen, announcing the acquisition of right-handed starter Lucas Harrell and left-hander reliever Dario Alvarez from the Braves in exchange for minor league second baseman Travis Demeritte.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Minor League Ball and Talking Chop
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Josh Norris / Baseball America:
Trade Central: Rangers Deal Demeritte For Two Arms — THE DEAL — The prices for pitching are sky high in the trade market's current state, so the Rangers found a cheaper, off-the-radar alternative. By acquiring righthander Lucas Harrell and lefthanded reliever Dario Alvarez …
ESPN:
It's a nonstarter: Rays have arms, but likely will wait to deal them — In a bleak landscape for pitching, the Tampa Bay Rays are awash in talented young starters with affordable contracts and several years of club control. Survey the available options and Tampa is an oasis of promise in a desert of back-end, complementary types.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Bleacher Nation and Tampa Bay Times
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ESPN:
Where are the starting pitchers at this trade deadline? — Call the cops. Call the FBI. Call the CIA. Tell them somebody kidnapped all the aces, because if you're trying to trade for one at this year's trade deadline, hey, good luck. — Over and over, we hear the same grumbling from one club official after another.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Doug PadillaESPN / ESPN:
Determined Clayton Kershaw plans to return to Dodgers this year
Determined Clayton Kershaw plans to return to Dodgers this year
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, True Blue LA, DRaysBay and Todays Knuckleball
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
What will the Nationals do after missing out on Aroldis Chapman? — Plus, items on Jonathan Lucroy and Melvin Upton in Ken Rosenthal's latest notes. — Mike Rizzo (Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports) — So now what for the Nationals? — Aroldis Chapman is a Cub. Jonathan Papelbon is unraveling.
Discussion:
Minor League Ball and Al's Ramblings
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Latest On Nationals' Search For Late-Inning Reliever — The Nationals were in the mix for Aroldis Chapman right up until the end of the Yankees' negotiations with the Cubs, reports ESPN's Jayson Stark, and general manager Mike Rizzo and his staff are still on the hunt for a relief ace …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, New York Post and Baseball Hot Corner
Associated Press:
Strasburg Wins 14th as Nationals Down Indians 4-1 — CLEVELAND — Stephen Strasburg shut down Cleveland for seven innings and bounced back from his only loss this season, leading the Washington Nationals to a 4-1 win over the Indians on Wednesday. — Strasburg (14-1) began the season …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
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Associated Press:
Padres Hit 3 HRs to Extend Streak, Beat Blue Jays 8-4 — TORONTO — Adam Rosales hit a two-run home run, Alex Dickerson and Brett Wallace each hit solo shots and the San Diego Padres beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 on Wednesday, avoiding a three-game sweep. — San Diego extended …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, baseballmusings.com, Yahoo Sports, Gaslamp Ball and Bluebird Banter
Associated Press:
Cabrera's HR Bounces Right for Tigers in 4-3 Win Over Boston — BOSTON — Miguel Cabrera hit a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning that bounced off the top of the wall and into Boston's bullpen, lifting the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday for a three-game series sweep.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Over the Monster
Cincinnati.com:
Next Slide — SAN FRANCISCO - Being the subject of a year's worth of trade chatter has been hard on Jay Bruce the human. It has apparently not been so hard on Jay Bruce the baseball player. — The 29-year-old Bruce hit two home runs - his third and fourth in the last three days …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, McCovey Chronicles and NBCSports.com
Associated Press:
Manfred: More Rule Changes Needed to Improve Pace of Play — MIAMI — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says more rule changes are needed to improve the pace of play, and one proposal under consideration is a limitation on relief pitching changes in an inning or a game.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
George Sipple / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Drew VerHagen to have surgery, miss rest of season — BOSTON — Right-handed pitcher Drew VerHagen had a setback last week in his quest to come back from right shoulder thoracic outlet syndrome and has been shut down for the rest of the season.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Associated Press:
Gyorko homers, Cards top Mets in 1st game of doubleheader … NEW YORK — For a team that's historically been known for pitching, speed and defense, these St. Louis Cardinals sure are hitting a lot of home runs lately. — Especially Jedd Gyorko. — Gyorko connected again …
Discussion:
ESPN and Faith and Fear in Flushing
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