Top News:
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
John Henry says Red Sox will lead effort to change name of Yawkey Way — The Red Sox have had enough. — At a moment when racial tensions have escalated rapidly and the removal of Confederate statues acts as a flashpoint for violent and racially divisive protests, the Red Sox are ready …
Discussion:
Daily Mail, BostonGlobe.com, CBSSports.com, FanRag Sports, Over the Monster, The Big Lead, NESN.com and The Guardian
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Ex-Rangers lefty Holland returns to ‘where it all started’ — Derek Holland slept in his own bed at his Metroplex home for the first time in months, once he finally got in it early Thursday after his Chicago White Sox played a night game in Los Angeles. — The former Texas Rangers starting pitcher …
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Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
After years of tumult, Yasiel Puig finds his way into Dodgers' good graces — LOS ANGELES - Yasiel Puig exulted at second base as his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates poured out of the dugout to celebrate the latest improbable comeback in a storybook season, Wednesday night's walkoff win …
Bob Klapisch / USA Today:
Kershaw, Price, Strasburg: As MLB playoffs near, pitchers on mend may tip balance of power — With fewer than 50 games to go we're approaching the summer's 11th hour, which is why transactions matter, especially to the clubs making plans for October. There are several key pitchers on the verge …
Stats / MLB on Yahoo! Sports:
Dodgers strive to stay hot in series vs. Tigers
Dodgers strive to stay hot in series vs. Tigers
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Rick Renteria on receiving Cubs World Series ring: ‘A classy gesture’ — White Sox manager Rick Renteria called receiving a Cubs World Series ring “a classy gesture” by the team on Wednesday, AUg. 16, 2017. (Colleen Kane/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
Discussion:
USA Today and Chicago Tribune
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MoiseKapenda Bower / UPI:
Arizona Diamondbacks ride Patrick Corbin for split with Houston Astros — HOUSTON — Patrick Corbin came within an out of his first complete game in nearly four years, scattering four hits in 8 2/3 innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks earned a split of their four-game, home-and-home interleague series …
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James Wagner / New York Times:
Aaron Judge and Didi Gregorius Provide Big Hits as Yankees Top Mets Again — There are many reasons the Yankees sit firmly atop the American League wild-card standings: the star outfielder Aaron Judge; the All-Star starter Luis Severino; and the stellar bullpen, including Dellin Betances, Tommy Kahnle and others.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and New York Daily News
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Pete Caldera / NorthJersey.com:
Chapman gets a night off, Yankees bullpen writes a winning ending
Chapman gets a night off, Yankees bullpen writes a winning ending
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Ian Harrison / MLB on Yahoo! Sports:
Smoak hits tiebreaking homer in 8th, Jays beat Rays 5-3 … Justin Smoak hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning, — Josh Donaldson added two solo blasts and the — Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 on Thursday. — Smoak hit a two-run drive off — Tommy Hunter (2-4), his 33rd …
Discussion:
Associated Press and DRaysBay
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David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Games of the Day — The Twins are six games out of the division …
Games of the Day — The Twins are six games out of the division …
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Associated Press:
Ervin, Votto lead Reds past Cubs despite Chicago's 6 homers — CHICAGO (AP) — Phillip Ervin hit a two-run homer to snap a tie in the seventh inning and had four RBIs in his first major league start as the Cincinnati Reds rebounded from blowing a nine-run lead to defeat the Chicago Cubs 13-10 on Thursday.
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Fox Sports:
Mets put infielder Jose Reyes on 10-day disabled list — NEW YORK (AP) Jose Reyes has been placed on the 10-day disabled list by the New York Mets with a sore left ribcage. — Fellow infielder Wilmer Flores remains out of the lineup Thursday night against the Yankees with a similar injury.
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Todd ZolaFantasy / ESPN:
Daily notes: Pitcher and hitter rankings for Friday — Friday offers the standard full slate with the traditional matinee at Wrigley Field when the Cubs are home for the weekend. Max Scherzer and Corey Kluber are the main events on the card, along with the 2017 debut of Andrew Heaney.
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Robbie Grossman Diagnosed With Fractured Thumb — Twins outfielder/DH Robbie Grossman has been diagnosed with a fractured left thumb, the club announced (h/t Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press, on Twitter). Grossman's prognosis is not yet known, but it seems clear he'll require a DL stint of some duration.
CSN Philly:
Tonight's lineup: Odubel Herrera sits again; struggling Tommy Joseph slides — The Phillies will be without their best hitter for a third straight game. — Because of a nagging left hamstring, Odubel Herrera is not in the lineup Thursday night when the Phillies kick off a four-game series against the Giants at AT&T Park.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Pirates knock Wainwright from game after third inning — PITTSBURGH • The hex Adam Wainwright was able to hold over the Pirates for an inning ended in the third inning. — With two outs, Wainwright was unable to retire a batter to finish the inning before the Pirates had opened …
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Activate Shawn Kelley, Place Ryan Madson On 10-Day DL — The Nationals have swapped out right-handed relievers, per a club announcement. Shawn Kelley has returned from a long run on the disabled list, replacing Ryan Madson on the active roster. Madson is headed for his own DL stint.
USA Today:
Raiders CB Sean Smith arrested, charged with felony assault on sister's boyfriend — Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith was arrested Thursday on a felony assault charge for an alleged altercation that occurred on July 4, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and online jail records.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk and FanRag Sports