Unexpectedly contending Brewers weigh mortgaging their future to fend off Cubs  —  The Brewers' Eric Thames celebrates after he hit a home run against the Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park on July 25, 2017.  —  The Washington Post  —  On the afternoon of July 14 …

Rumor Central: Nationals interested in Yu Darvish?  —  The Washington Nationals are interested in Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish but would prefer to trade for a controllable starter, reports MLB Network's Jon Morosi, citing sources.  Darvish will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Sale Away: Red Sox ace Ks 11 in 4-0 win over Mariners  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Chris Sale pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, top prospect Rafael Devers became the youngest Boston player to hit a home run in more than 50 years, and the Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0 on Wednesday to salvage the final game of the series.

Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, out since June 2, poised for Friday return  —  Houston Astros ace Dallas Keuchel will return to the rotation on Friday against the Detroit Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Wednesday.  —  Keuchel hasn't pitched for the AL West leaders since June 2 because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

Todd Frazier had the majors' first run-scoring triple play since 2006  —  The Yankees' Todd Frazier ground into a run scoring triple play in the second inning against the Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 25, 2017.  —  Todd Frazier got a welcoming introduction from the public-address announcer …

Longoria, Souza homer in Rays' 5-1 win over Orioles (Jul 26, 2017)  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Evan Longoria and Steven Souza Jr. homered and Alex Cobb pitched seven strong innings for the Tampa Bay Rays in a 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Dodgers continue to roll, top Minnesota Twins  —  LOS ANGELES — Nothing seems to be slowing down Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor this month.  Not even an 18-minute delay during the sixth inning on Tuesday night.  —  Taylor doubled twice for his seventh multi-hit performance …

First pitch: Hunter Renfroe chasing Padres rookie homer record  —  Padres right fielder Hunter Renfroe (center) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park.  (Jake Roth / Reuters Photo)

Odubel Herrera's benching is a just a night off, Mackanin says  —  Odubel Herrera was held out of the Phillies' lineup Wednesday night a day after he was yanked from the game.  But it was not a benching, Pete Mackanin said.  —  The manager said Herrera was just getting a day off …

Braves' Blair faces D-backs in Chase Field debut (Jul 26, 2017)  —  PHOENIX — Welcome to Chase Field, Aaron Blair.  —  Finally.  —  The Atlanta Braves right-hander was paid a $1,435,000 signing bonus as the No. 36 overall pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2013 draft.

Bryce Harper wants to take part in D.C. Home Run Derby  —  WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper is all in on the Home Run Derby.  —  “If I do have the opportunity to play in the All-Star Game next year,” said the Washington Nationals slugger on Wednesday afternoon, “I'll definitely do the Home Run Derby.”

Detroit Tigers minors: Dawel Lugo's 2-run single helps Erie SeaWolves  —  We take a look at the centerpiece of the Detroit Tigers' J.D. Martinez trade: Dawel Lugo, an infielder that was considered one of the Arizona Diamondbacks' best prospects.  Video by Brian Manzullo, DFP.  Wochit  —  CONNECT

Rumor Central: Cubs check in on Rene Rivera?  —  The Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have called the New York Mets about catcher Rene Rivera, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.  —  The 33-year-old Rivera, a free agent after the season, owns a .245/.291/.395 slash line with six homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games this season.

Samardzija deals Giants to victory over Pirates ... but will he be dealt?  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Jeff Samardzija is drawing a significant amount of interest from contending teams as Monday's non-waiver trade deadline approaches.  The Giants, so viciously brought to heel by the rest of the league this season, must be open to listening.

Rangers' rotation set through trade deadline, tentatively  —  The Rangers' rotation for the weekend and beyond is mostly set.  Andrew Cashner will start Friday's opener against Orioles' right-hander Chris Tillman.  The Rangers will either go with Austin Bibens-Dirkx or A.J. Griffin on Saturday against right-hander Kevin Gausman.

Insider: How Tigers may have sabotaged Anibal Sanchez's trade value  —  In an alternate universe, Anibal Sanchez made his start on Wednesday night amid swirling trade rumors in a market where many teams are looking for back-end starting pitching help.  —  But of all the Detroit Tigers …

Red-hot Kansas City Royals top Detroit Tigers for seventh-straight win  —  DETROIT — The Kansas City Royals didn't need another big hit to keep their winning streak going.  They instead relied on their glovework.  —  Right fielder Jorge Bonifacio and first baseman Eric Hosmer collaborated …

Padres owner on Brad Hand: 'Other things being equal, right now I don't see us moving him'  —  The Padres shipped out two of their most marketable relievers on Monday, including Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter as part of a deal with the Kansas City Royals.  —  With five days left …

Where does Pudge rank on the all-time Rangers list?  —  1. Nolan Ryan (1989-93): There are few pitchers or players who made as big of a stamp on the game than Ryan.  And his five-season swan song with the Rangers not only provided historical moments and milestones but gave the organization …

These players could be the next Rangers in the Hall of Fame  —  1. Adrian Beltre (2011-current): Although Beltre came up with the Dodgers and has spent time with the Mariners and Red Sox, he has become a Rangers legend and that's just fine with Rangers fans, who have come to bestow the kind of love …

Trade Market For Left-Handed Relievers  —  It's a top-heavy market for left-handed relief help this summer, though there are still a few names of interest beyond the top available relievers.  Sean Doolittle and Ryan Buchter are the biggest names to change hands thus far …