Theo Epstein on Cubs-White Sox trade: ‘Both teams demonstrated the priority is winning’  —  Photos of Jose Quintana, who was traded to the Cubs from the White Sox.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The history of White Sox-Cubs trades is relatively brief, mostly because of the possibility one team …

Rangers, Royals begin second half with key series (Jul 14, 2017)  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The previous two years, Ned Yost spent time and energy managing the American League in the All-Star Game.  —  This July, the Royals manager spent the All-Star break on a tractor on his Georgia farm.

Brewers face Phillies with hope of building NL Central lead (Jul 14, 2017)  —  MILWAUKEE — After four days of relaxing during the All-Star break, the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers return to action Friday night, looking to build on a 5 1/2-game lead over the Chicago Cubs when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park.

MLB: Toronot Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers aim to get into contention in second half  —  DETROIT — Two teams hoping against hope they can become contenders and avoid the dreaded selloff label — the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers — begin the post-All-Star-break schedule Friday with a three-game series at Comerica Park.

Michael Pineda Has Torn UCL; Tommy John Surgery Recommended  —  Yankees GM Brian Cashman announced devastating injury news to reporters today, revealing that Michael Pineda has been diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (Twitter link via the YES Network's Jack Curry).

Alderson and Harvey futures just a few questions facing Mets  —  MORE FROM: … The Mets managed to totally screw up the first half.  Perhaps they can get some things right in the second half of this lost 2017 season and finally get some real answers.  —  Their biggest accomplishment …

Orioles' Chris Davis expects to return Friday vs. Cubs  —  Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, who went on the DL for a right oblique strain on June 13, expects to return to the lineup against the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.  —  He played in two rehab games at Class A …

Boston Red Sox second half wish list  —  Now that we've broken through the All-Star break and come out on the other side, I started thinking about what I'd like to see from the Boston Red Sox in the second half of the season.  The team has been uninspiring at times, frustrating at others …

Aaron Judge defied NASA equations when he hit the roof of Marlins Park at Home Run Derby  —  One small step for Aaron Judge, one giant leap for Marlins Park.  —  When the Marlins were planning out their stadium they turned to experts who used NASA equations to determine how high to make the roof …

TV: FOX Sports Florida TIME: Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.  —  CAN'T GET TO A TV?  WATCH IT LIVE ON FOX SPORTS GO  —  MIAMI — The Miami Marlins are coming off a good week.  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers, meanwhile, are having a great season.  —  On Friday, the Dodgers …

Bryan Price describes ‘calling card’ of these Reds  —  The Washington Nationals boast the National League's three top hitters in terms of batting average in Daniel Murphy, Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper.  —  The trio helped the Nationals produce the National League's most productive offense …

Nationals Release Francisco Rodriguez  —  The Nationals have released veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez, reports Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com (via Twitter).  The 35-year-old righty had inked a minor league pact with Washington following his release from the Tigers.

Leake to start off post-break rotation  —  The Cardinals will send their ERA leader, Mike Leake, to the mound Friday to begin the second half of the season against the Pirates.  —  Leake will be followed in the starting rotation by Lance Lynn, Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha.

Red Sox Designate Pablo Sandoval For Assignment  —  The Red Sox announced that they have activated struggling third baseman Pablo Sandoval from the disabled list and designated him for assignment.  —  Sandoval is midway through the third season of a five-year, $95MM contract that proved to be a fatal misstep for the organization.

Bartolo Colon allows 4 runs, K's 5 in start for Twins' Triple-A team  —  Bartolo Colon gave up four runs, four hits, walked two and struck out five in 3 innings Thursday in a Triple-A start for the Rochester Red Wings against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Rays' Colby Rasmus to ‘step away’ from game; 2017 return doubtful  —  Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus has decided to “step away from baseball” and was placed on the restricted list, Tampa Bay announced on Thursday.  —  He is not expected to return to the team this season.