Pablo Sandoval Interested In Reunion With Giants  —  There's at least some possibility the Red Sox' recent decision to designate Pablo Sandoval for assignment could result in the veteran heading back to San Francisco, FanRag's Jon Heyman writes.  Sources close to Sandoval indicate …

Nationals pitcher Joe Ross to have Tommy John surgery  —  CINCINNATI (AP) Washington right-hander Joe Ross will have Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the season.  —  Dr. Keith Meister will operate on Wednesday in Texas, according to Washington manager Dusty Baker.

Cincinnati Reds opening ballpark to donkeys, need help naming Zack Cozart's … Three donkeys will be at the Cincinnati Reds' game Saturday against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park.  —  The donkeys are part of a long-running wager between Reds All-Stars Zack Cozart and Joey Votto.

How does trade for international slot compensation help Rangers?  —  KANSAS CITY, MO.  —  Could the Rangers being angling to sign another Japanese super star?  The club announced a curious trade Saturday afternoon that sent minor league infielder Yeyson Yrizarri to the Chicago White Sox …

Giants put Johnny Cueto on DL to make room for Madison Bumgarner's return  —  The San Francisco Giants made way for left-handed ace Madison Bumgarner's return to the rotation on Saturday by putting right-hander Johnny Cueto placed on the disabled list.  —  The move to the DL comes …

What was said in Tigers' team meeting?  ‘None of your damn business’  —  The Detroit Tigers held a team meeting at 3 p.m. this afternoon, then declined to give any details about what was discussed.  —  Reporters were notified the clubhouse would be closed for the meeting.

Yankees activate Starlin Castro from DL, option Tyler Wade back to Triple-A  —  BOSTON - The Yankees are getting one of their walking wounded back in time for Saturday's game against the Red Sox.  —  Starlin Castro has been activated from the disabled list Saturday afternoon as the Bombers try …

Yankees at a loss to figure out what's wrong with Aroldis Chapman  —  BOSTON - What's wrong with Aroldis Chapman?  —  That was the $86 million question engulfing the Yankees after the former All-Star closer's latest meltdown led to a crushing 5-4 giveaway loss to the Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park.

Rumor Central: Diamondbacks interested in J.D. Martinez  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks will likely look to add a bat before the July 31 trade deadline, and one target has already emerged.  —  MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Diamondbacks have shown interest in Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez …

Royals pitcher Karns to have rib removed, out for season  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals right-hander Nate Karns hopes that by losing a rib he will gain some relief.  —  The 29-year-old pitcher will miss the rest of the season to have a rib removed Wednesday in a procedure designed to take pressure off the nerve in his forearm.

White Sox shake up lineup Saturday vs. Mariners  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Losers of five of six and 13 of 20, the White Sox will shake up their lineup for Saturday's game (6:10 p.m., WGN-9) against the Mariners.  The White Sox (38-50) are a season-high 12 games under .500.

Reports: Ex-Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez released by Nationals  —  It would appear the professional baseball career of Francisco Rodriguez is over.  —  Released by the Detroit Tigers late last month, he was picked up by the Washington Nationals as a chance to help their bullpen and resurrect his career.

Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, three others interested in RHP Sonny Gray  —  Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray has been linked to the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and two more teams in trade talks.  —  Last week, Athletics general manager Billy Beane told Peter Gammons …

Rumor Central: Mets planning to sell, barring sudden improvement  —  New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is being realistic about the team going into the trade deadline.  —  Alderson says the Mets will plan to sell going into the deadline unless the team performs “exceedingly well,” according to Newsday's Marc Carig.

Brewers Sign Jeanmar Gomez  —  The Brewers have announced that they've signed righty reliever Jeanmar Gomez, presumably to a minor-league deal.  (They also announced that they've signed righty and former Rockies farmhand Alec Kenilvort and released righty Stephen Kohlscheen.)  Gomez is a client of Magnus Sports.

Nationals Trying To Acquire Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle  —  As they look to improve their beleaguered bullpen, the Nationals are attempting to acquire both right-hander Ryan Madson and lefty Sean Doolittle from the Athletics, reports Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network (Twitter links).

Pittsburgh Pirates fan throws home run ball into river … A Pittsburgh Pirates fan took out his frustration by throwing a home run ball into the Allegheny River Friday at PNC Park.  —  The Pirates have won six of its last seven games now, after beating the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 Friday in the home contest.

Feeling rested and healthy, Yoenis Cespedes ready to spark the Mets with bat and legs  —  Yoenis Cespedes dropped his bat head to a 1-2 slider in the third inning of the Mets' 14-2 win over the Rockies Friday night and connected on a soft, looping liner down the right-field line.

Report: Astros ‘doing background work’ on Giants starter for possible trade  —  With Johnny Cueto's status uncertain as the trade deadline approaches, it appears teams are turning their attention to another Giants starter.  —  The AL-leading Astros are “doing background work” on Jeff Samardzija, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

Tonight's Lineup: Aaron Altherr (hamstring) to sit out vs. Brewers  —  After leaving Friday night's loss to the Brewers with a hamstring strain, outfielder Aaron Altherr will not be in the Phillies' lineup Saturday night (NBC10/CSNPhilly.com).  —  Altherr has been one of the few bright spots for the team this season.

Local Professional Baseball Player Update  —  An update on local professional baseball players with ties to the Coastal Bend.  If there is someone that is playing professionally that is not on the list please email us at ctsports@caller.com.