Rumor Central: Rangers, A's pursuing Chris Carter?  —  The Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics are interested in Chris Carter, and one of those clubs is “likely” to sign the free-agent first baseman, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.  —  Carter hit a league-high 41 home runs …

Cubs set to activate Lackey for start vs. Braves (Jul 18, 2017)  —  ATLANTA — Veteran Chicago Cubs right-hander John Lackey will come off the disabled list on Tuesday to start the second game of a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park.

Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson hits umpire with bat on backswing … A frightening sound could be heard throughout the ballpark Monday when Josh Donaldson let go of his bat and it hit the home plate umpire in the head.  —  The Toronto Blue Jays third baseman was at the dish in the top …

Scott Feldman is the latest Reds starter to head to DL  —  If Scott Feldman goes on the disabled list, he will be the last of the Reds' Opening Day rotation to spend time on the DL after just 92 games of the season.  —  Feldman, 34, started for the Reds on Opening Day and was the only Reds starter …

Real or Not?  A strange and wild day for the Astros  —  When you're past the All-Star break and you're leading your division by 15.5 games, these summer days are supposed to be relaxing.  Monday was anything but for the Houston Astros.  —  It all started with a little bit of good-natured frivolity.

Rays beat A's 3-2 to move closer to first place in AL East  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A walk to Athletics leadoff hitter Matt Joyce was all the convincing that Tampa Bay right-hander Jake Odorizzi needed to pitch out of the stretch the remainder of the game.

Tigers win third in a row with 10-2 win in series opener in Kansas City  —  Zimmermann very good over 6 2/3 innings, backed up by Castellanos, Mahtook homers.  —  CONNECT  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Don't tell the Detroit Tigers their season is over.  —  Though all signs point to the team trading …

Rumor Central: Marlins keeping starting outfield intact?  —  There is some good news in Miami: For the moment, it looks like Giancarlo Stanton & Co. in the outfield are staying put.  —  According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Miami Marlins are “not listening to any trade proposals for their starting outfield right now.”

Sigh of relief: Power-packed Cards win as Cecil survives 9th  —  NEW YORK  • In a space of six at-bats over his last two games, Cardinals rookie shortstop Paul DeJong struck out five times.  But the sixth time largely made up for the futile five.  —  And lefthander Brett Cecil got some redemption himself.

First baseman James Loney inks one-year deal to play in South Korea  —  First baseman James Loney signed a one-year, $350,000 contract with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Organization, the team announced Tuesday.  —  Loney requested and received his release in May from the Atlanta Braves organization.

Giants' NL-record sellout streak ends in 5-3 loss to Indians  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a rare scheduling perk, the Cleveland Indians didn't have to travel far for a much-needed change of scenery after a disappointing weekend dud at Oakland.  —  Just a quick jaunt across San Francisco Bay.

Rockies Looking Into Rotation Trades  —  The Rockies are at least “poking around” on the market for rotation help, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).  Just how much of a priority the rotation is remains to be seen; GM Jeff Bridich did suggest earlier today that he's most focused on bolstering the team's pen.

Could Mike Trout and Bryce Harper become baseball's all-time greatest superstar duo?  —  Mike Trout is back just in the nick of time.  The Angels superstar, who missed six agonizing weeks with a torn ligament in his left thumb, returned to action Friday, getting five hits and a walk during L.A.'s weekend series against Tampa Bay.

Chad Green becoming a flexible, middle-inning relief option for Yankees bullpen  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Chad Green has flourished in his hybrid role out of the bullpen for the Yankees.  —  In his last 10 appearances, Green has given up just one run on six hits while striking out 25 over 16 innings for a 0.56 ERA.

Milwaukee's Stephen Vogt goes on 10-day DL with sprained left knee  —  Milwaukee Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left knee sprain Tuesday, one day after he collided with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chad Kuhl at home plate.

Cowboys' Elliott appealing conviction for speeding 100 mph on tollway in Frisco  —  Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is dealing with even more off the field troubles, this time in Collin County.  —  The 21-year-old is appealing a misdemeanor conviction for speeding …

Rumor Central: Cubs looking to add Tigers catcher Alex Avila?  —  With Miguel Montero no longer on the roster, the Chicago Cubs' most experienced catcher is 25-year-old starter Willson Contreras.  —  While Contreras is hitting .273 with 12 home runs this season, it appears the Cubs …

Rays To Acquire Chaz Roe  —  The Rays have struck a deal to acquire righty Chaz Roe from the Braves, per Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com (via Twitter).  Cash considerations will go to Atlanta in return, per Tommy Stokke of Fan Rag (Twitter link).  —  This move likely won't satisfy Tampa Bay's desire for a bullpen upgrade.