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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Gee, Escobar Lead Red-Hot Royals to 8-5 Win Over Yankees  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dillon Gee kept the Royals' momentum going with six sharp innings, Alcides Escobar hit a three-run homer and Kansas City beat the New York Yankees 8-5 on Monday night to open their three-game set.

2016 Week 21 MLB Power Rankings  —  It's pretty much the same story at the top of the rankings, with the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals remaining No. 1 and No. 2 for the sixth straight week.  The remainder of the top five continues to be dominated by the American League …

Kipnis' Single in 10th Gives Indians 1-0 Win Over  —  CLEVELAND — Jason Kipnis' 10th-inning single scored Chris Gimenez and gave the Cleveland Indians a 1-0 victory over Minnesota on Monday night, the Twins' 11th straight loss.  —  Kipnis lined a 1-0 pitch from Brandon Kintzler (0-1) …