Sources: Tim Tebow offered contract from Venezuelan winter ball team  —  On the eve of his much-anticipated professional baseball showcase, Tim Tebow was offered a contract with a venerable winter-ball team in Venezuela, sources told Yahoo Sports, further legitimizing his efforts to transition from NFL quarterback to outfielder.

Phillies lose to Nationals, but Jake Thompson shows progress  —  As the Phillies tested a rookie's limits, a smattering of cheers spread across the smallest crowd of the season at Citizens Bank Park.  Jake Thompson lugged a 9.78 ERA into Monday night's 4-0 loss to the first-place Nationals.

Indians, Athletics Agree To Coco Crisp Trade  —  6:48pm: John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports that the trade is agreed upon, but there won't be an announcement until tomorrow.  —  5:38pm: The Indians and Athletics are progressing on a deal that would send veteran outfielder Coco Crisp …

Latest On Neil Walker, Steven Matz Injuries  —  The Mets revealed a double dose of negative injury news today, with manager Terry Collins updating the health of second baseman Neil Walker and lefty Steven Matz.  —  Walker, it seems, has a fairly significant back issue that will need …

Reds To Sign Cuban Right-Hander Vladimir Gutierrez  —  The Reds have agreed to sign highly regarded right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez for a bonus of $4.75MM, reports Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald (via Twitter).  The 20-year-old Cuban righty will count again Cincinnati's international bonus pool …

Outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia Leaves Cuba  —  Another prominent Cuban player has left the country to pursue a contract with a major league team.  The latest to leave, according to multiple sources, is 24-year-old outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia, the brother of Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia.

Pirates, Yankees Complete Ivan Nova Trade  —  The Pirates and Yankes have completed the mid-summer swap that sent Ivan Nova to Pittsburgh, per an announcement.  Outfielder Tito Polo and lefty Stephen Tarpley are headed to New York in the swap as the players to be named later.

Puig claimed on waivers; is there trade chance?  —  Yasiel Puig, the Los Angeles Dodgers' mercurial talent, has been claimed on revocable trade waivers, sources tell Today's Knuckleball.  Due to the claim, the Dodgers have a chance to try to work out a trade with the one team that was awarded the claim.

Porcello majors' 1st 18-game winner, Red Sox beat Rays 9-4 … BOSTON — Rick Porcello had a simple answer to why he can't think about his current success.  —  He knows there are a lot more important things he's helping the Boston Red Sox chase.  —  Porcello became the majors' first 18-game winner …

Centerfielder had left thumb smashed by the knee of White Sox 2B on head-first slide during steal attempt in fifth  —  The Tigers will wait and see.  —  Though the team announced that centerfielder Cameron Maybin left Monday night's game against the White Sox with a left thumb contusion …