Bryce Harper homers twice, Nationals beat Reds 5-0  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Gio Gonzalez pitched four-hit ball into the ninth inning, and Bryce Harper extended his mid-July tear with a pair of homers on Friday night, leading the Washington Nationals to a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Red Sox cut losses, designate Sandoval for assignment  —  BOSTON (AP) — Panda-mania is over in Boston before it ever really began.  —  The Red Sox designated third baseman Pablo Sandoval for assignment on Friday, cutting their losses on the $95 million free agent who was never productive …

Cubs see Jose Quintana trade as commitment from front office  —  BALTIMORE — Chicago Cubs players, as well as manager Joe Maddon, understand what the front office provided for them during the All-Star break and are committed to doing their part after a lackluster first half.

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).

Rumor Central: Royals interested in rental pitcher, possibly Jaime Garcia  —  After a slow start, the Kansas City Royals have put themselves right back in the middle of the American League playoff picture.  With the trade deadline approaching, the Royals have a target in mind for the stretch run.

Zack Cozart open to extension with Reds, but time is running out  —  Before Tuesday's All-Star Game, Reds first baseman Joey Votto was asked about the future of fellow Reds All-Star Zack Cozart.  Votto couldn't help but quote the movie “Jerry Maguire.”  —  “Show me the money!”  Votto said, dramatically.

Sandy Alderson doesn't see Mets calling up Tim Tebow this season  —  It's not Tim Tebow's time.  —  When asked Friday if there's any chance the Mets promote Tebow to the majors in September when rosters expand, Alderson said the idea “never crossed my mind until about 10 days ago when somebody said it was likely to happen.”

Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer not worried about trade rumors  —  Right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer is not concerned about being traded by the Detroit Tigers.  —  It seems preposterous that the Tigers would consider dealing Fulmer, who is coming off his first All-Star experience and was the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year.

Short journey for new White Sox prospect Eloy Jimenez after crosstown trade  —  Eloy Jimenez singles in the second inning during a spring training game against the Indians at Sloan Park on Feb. 26, 2017.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Eloy Jimenez didn't have to travel far for his first game in the White Sox organization.

Trade Market For Second Basemen  —  Second base is rarely a hot spot of trade deadline activity, but it seems even less likely to be an area of focus this time around.  Few possible contenders have clear needs at the position, while those that could stand stand to upgrade — say …

Live blog: Tigers leave two men on base in 3rd  —  Bottom 3rd: Tigers 0, Blue Jays 0  —  Alex Presley drew a leadoff walk from Aaron Sachez, and after Alex Avila struck out looking, Justin Upton delivered his second hit of the day with a single to left field that put two men on base for Miguel Cabrera.

Padres Roster Moves, 7/14  —  The Padres announced today that the following roster moves have been made:  — Placed OF Hunter Renfroe on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to 7/10, with a strained neck.  — Recalled OF Jabari Blash from Triple-A El Paso.  — Placed RHP Kirby Yates on the paternity leave list.

MLB alumni help with clinic at Reds Urban Youth Academy  —  ROSELAWN - Though a stormy morning forced them inside, several young boys and girls were treated to an opportunity to learn basic baseball fundamentals in the Reds plush P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy July 13.