Top News:
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
David Ortiz: Jonathan Papelbon would fill bullpen role well — BALTIMORE — Take it from none other than David Ortiz: Jonathan Papelbon would fit in just fine with the Boston Red Sox. — “I don't know what happened there at the Nationals, but he was a great guy and we would welcome him back with open arms …
Discussion:
NESN.com, Federal Baseball and Associated Press
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Associated Press:
HOUSTON — Convinced Yankees fans are ready to embrace a new generation of Baby Bombers, owner Hal Steinbrenner watched Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge hit home runs in their first major league at-bats last weekend — “I was emotional. It doesn't happen often,” he said Wednesday. “I'm very excited about this.”
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Astros Release Prospect Danry Vasquez After Domestic Violence Suspension — The Astros have released prospect Danry Vasquez this evening, with the team's announcement coming right on the heels of a league announcement that he has been suspended indefinitely.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Joe Maddon: Tommy La Stella to report to Double-A Tennessee — Tommy La Stella races to third after hitting a triple against the Nationals on May 6, 2016. — Chicago Tribune — Tommy La Stella will return to the Chicago Cubs' organization. — Manager Joe Maddon said La Stella, 27 …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Tommy La Stella To Report To Minors — Cubs infielder Tommy La Stella has agreed to report for his optional assignment, as manager Joe Maddon announced in an appearance on 670 The Score (as Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune was among those to report). Manager Joe Maddon says that he'll play tonight …
Ben Lindbergh / The Ringer:
Baltimore Closer Zach Britton Isn't Just a Surprise Cy Young Contender—He's the AL MVP — Last week, my colleague Michael Baumann had the audacity to suggest that Orioles closer Zach Britton could be a defensible selection as the American League's Cy Young Award winner.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, NBCSports.com, Let's Go Tribe, Bless You Boys, Boston and FanGraphs Baseball
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Associated Press:
Happ Wins 11th Straight, Improves to 17-3 as Jays Top Yanks — NEW YORK — J.A. Happ won his 11th consecutive decision to become the first 17-game winner in the majors, and Melvin Upton Jr. hit a three-run homer that propelled the Toronto Blue Jays past the New York Yankees 7-4 on Wednesday.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
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Seth Berkman / New York Times:
Yankees Drop Game to Blue Jays and Lose Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, Pinstripe Alley and MLB Trade Rumors
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Aaron Nola Has “Low-Grade” UCL Sprain & Flexor Strain — Phillies righty Aaron Nola has been shut down for the remainder of the year after being diagnosed with a “low-grade” UCL sprain and flexor strain, as Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer was among those to tweet.
Discussion:
The Good Phight and Over the Monster
Associated Press:
Betts Has 2 HRs, 5 RBIs as Red Sox Beat Orioles 5-3 — BALTIMORE — Mookie Betts homered twice and drove in five runs, helping the resurgent Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. — Betts hit a three-run drive in the fifth inning …
Discussion:
ESPN, Over the Monster, FenwayNation and Yahoo Sports
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David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
No Hit Injury — Eduardo Rodriguez of the Red Sox pitched four no-hit innings.
Discussion:
ESPN, Over the Monster, Camden Chat and Yahoo Sports
Zach Buchanan / Cincinnati.com:
BAR: Even in pen, Raisel Iglesias a bargain — 42 Shares — The Blog Above Replacement is a daily look at the Reds, their minor leagues and whatever else is on the mind of Enquirer Reds beat writers, C. Trent Rosecrans and Zach Buchanan. — Cincinnati Reds right-hander Raisel Iglesias …
Discussion:
Red Reporter and FanGraphs Baseball
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Braves To Promote Dansby Swanson — The Braves will promote top shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson tomorrow, according to a team announcement. President of baseball operations John Hart says that the youngster will be in the starting lineup tomorrow, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets.
Discussion:
Minor League Ball, Talking Chop, MiLB News, Baseball Prospectus and MLB Daily Dish
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Tigers Acquire Erick Aybar
Discussion:
Minor League Ball, Baseball Prospectus, Talking Chop and Bless You Boys
Associated Press:
LeMahieu Sparks Offense as Rockies Beat Nationals 12-10 — DENVER — D.J. LeMahieu kept tormenting the Nationals with two hits, Gerardo Parra drove in four runs and the Colorado Rockies beat Stephen Strasburg and Washington 12-10 on Wednesday. — Tony Wolters homered and had three hits …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Purple Row and ESPN
Associated Press:
Pennington's Triple Lifts Angels Over Mariners to End Skid — By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSAUG. 17, 2016, 1:30 A.M. E.D.T. — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Cliff Pennington hit a go-ahead triple in the eighth inning, Albert Pujols slugged his 22nd home run and the Los Angeles Angels came back twice to beat …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing and Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Rangers' 3 Runs in 10th Beat A's 5-4 When Odor Hit by Pitch — By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSAUG. 17, 2016, 12:27 A.M. E.D.T. — ARLINGTON, Texas — Rougned Odor was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning, forcing home the winning run as the AL-best Texas Rangers beat …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
