Top News:
Enrique RojasESPNdeportes / ESPN:
New contract ties David Ortiz to Red Sox in variety of roles — David Ortiz is back with the Boston Red Sox. The Dominican slugger signed a contract tying his future with the organization in perpetuity. “Forever,” was the word used by the team in a press release sent on Wednesday announcing the new terms of their relationship.
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ESPN:
Fans removed from Fenway Park after lowering ‘Racism is as American as baseball’ sign — BOSTON — Four fans seated above the Green Monster at Fenway Park dropped down a sign that read “Racism is as American as baseball” during the fourth inning of the Red Sox's game against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Pirates Breakdown
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
Red Sox activate David Price who will pitch out of bullpen — BOSTON — David Price is going back to the bullpen. — With the hope that Price's past will be prologue, the Boston Red Sox reinstated the $217 million lefty from the disabled list Thursday and announced he will be used as a reliever for the rest of the season.
Jason Mastrodonato / Boston Herald:
Farrell: David Price to pitch out of Red Sox bullpen in multi-inning role — David Price is going back to how it all began. — At 32 years old, the former Cy Young winner was activated off the disabled list by the Red Sox in time for Thursday's series finale against the Oakland A's …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Eduardo Gonzalez / Los Angeles Times:
Protesters make a statement to MLB during Red Sox-Athletics game
Greensburg Tribune-Review:
Fans unfurl ‘Racism is as American as Baseball’ banner at Fenway Park during Red Sox game
Fans unfurl ‘Racism is as American as Baseball’ banner at Fenway Park during Red Sox game
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Evan Drellich / CSNNE.com:
Planner behind Fenway ‘Racism is American’ banner explains anti-racist statement
Planner behind Fenway ‘Racism is American’ banner explains anti-racist statement
Discussion:
Washington Post, New York Times, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Mashable
Rob Bradford / WEEI:
We now know what David Ortiz will be doing for Red Sox
We now know what David Ortiz will be doing for Red Sox
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports, Athletics Nation, NBCSports.com, Over the Monster, FanRag Sports, MLB Trade Rumors and NESN.com
Joe Lyons / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Winker's leadoff homer has Reds up 1-0 after two at Busch — As they did on Tuesday night in a 13-4 Cardinals' series-opening win, the Reds grabbed the lead with a first-inning solo home run. Jesse Winker hit Jack Flaherty's second pitch of the game past the foul pole in right for his first career leadoff homer.
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Gyorko ready to be used in a pinch as his hamstring heals — What Jedd Gyorko can do and how effectively he can do it as he recovers from a hamstring strain will be determined on the job. — The Cardinals activated Gyorko from the disabled list Wednesday after the infielder completed …
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals hit a pothole in loss to Reds
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez: Powerful bromance blooms in desert for Diamondbacks — PHOENIX - J.D. Martinez didn't need Paul Goldschmidt to complete his stunning reclamation, and Goldschmidt didn't need Martinez to become one of the game's greatest players.
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt reaches 1,000 hits in win over Rockies
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks looking to support J.D. Martinez's hot-hitting
Diamondbacks looking to support J.D. Martinez's hot-hitting
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Game Day: Potential playoff matchups in flux for D-Backs
Game Day: Potential playoff matchups in flux for D-Backs
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit, Purple Row and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
ESPN:
Tigers' Buck Farmer: ‘Appalling’ to imply hitting ump was intentional — The Detroit Tigers vehemently denied they intentionally hit home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott with a pitch during Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. — Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer, who threw the pitch …
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Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, FanRag Sports, Bless You Boys and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
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George Sipple / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers may play Andrew Romine all 9 positions in 1 game. Here's why they should — No question the Detroit Tigers should have Andrew Romine play all 9 positions, and they should let fans know in advance when they do — A stunt? Yes. A mockery of the game? No.
Christopher D Thomas / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers reliever Arcenio Leon clears waivers, now a free agent
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Matt Harvey aware that performance, outside distractions leave him in poor standing with Mets — CHICAGO — Matt Harvey was mad. — The righthander stormed through the clubhouse to stand in front of his locker and face questions about his night, about his journey back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Series preview: White Sox at Tigers — Chicago Tribune — All games on WLS-AM 890. — Season series: Sox lead 8-7. — RH James Shields (3-6, 5.40) vs. LH Chad Bell (0-2, 5.79) — RH Carson Fulmer (2-1, 6.00) vs. RH Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 7.43) — RH Reynaldo Lopez (1-3, 4.76) vs. RH Myles Jaye (1-1, 6.75)
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Bill Shaikin / The Charlotte Observer:
Darvish has strong outing against Giants, and Dodgers breathe sigh of relief — SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Friedman walked around the field before Wednesday's game, clutching a water bottle, smiling easily. — Tuesday had been good to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Chelsea Janes / Washington Post:
Max Scherzer hits a wall, and Braves show little mercy in 8-2 win over Nats — Max Scherzer looks on after walking the bases loaded in the seventh inning, the first time in his career as a National that he had walked three straight batters. Atlanta scored six runs in the inning to blow open an 8-2 win.
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Sporting News, Federal Baseball, Nationals Pastime and ESPN
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Rustin Dodd / Kansas City Star:
We've never seen a player like Whit Merrifield. Why his rise was years in the making — The piece of paper was taped to the inside of his locker earlier this summer, a clubhouse prank that served as a statement of sorts. Whit Merrifield showed up to work one day, and there it was.
Rotoworld.com:
Daily Dose: Price Watch — Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (elbow) is working his way back from the 10-day disabled list, as he threw his second simulated game at Fenway Park on Wednesday. He worked three simulated inning, tossing 47 pitches while using his full arsenal of pitches.
Dave Campbell / The Charlotte Observer:
Rosario's 2-run homer in 10th gives Twins 3-1 win vs. Padres — MINNEAPOLIS — Eddie Rosario hit a two-run home run with two outs in the 10th inning, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night to maintain their cushion for the second AL wild card spot.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball and Twinkie Town
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
Indians' dominance rewrites story of 2017 season — CHICAGO — The Cleveland Indians' win streak is amazing: 21 games and counting. But it means nothing. It's championship or bust for these Indians. — Division titles are great — Cleveland is on the verge of clinching …