Top News:
Tyler Carey / WKYC-TV:
Cleveland Indians activate OF Brandon Guyer from DL, designate Melky Cabrera for assignment — Brandon Guyer will return to the club Thursday after missing nearly a month on the disabled list — The Indians have welcomed back one of their key bench pieces, while at the same time saying goodbye to another.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
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Scott Lauber / Philly.com:
How Phillies' Pat Neshek (remember him?) could boost bullpen | Extra Innings — Any hope the Phillies had of winning Wednesday night was pretty much wiped away in the fourth inning. Nick Pivetta gave up five runs, equaling the most runs the Phillies have scored in a game since June 5.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
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Mike Cranston / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Desmond, Anderson help Rockies beat Phillies 7-2, end slide
Desmond, Anderson help Rockies beat Phillies 7-2, end slide
Discussion:
The Good Phight and Purple Row
New York Daily News:
Yankees won't give up Gleyber Torres or Miguel Andujar for Jacob deGrom: report — Jacob deGrom to the Yankees? Won't happen. — The Bombers aren't willing to give up either super rookie Gleyber Torres or Miguel Andujar in a trade for the Mets' ace, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Discussion:
FRS Baseball
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Michael Wagaman / Associated Press:
Gattis does it again: 2 HRs, 5 RBIs in Astros 13-5 win — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) With the two best games of his career coming on consecutive days, designated hitter Evan Gattis has quickly transformed into the Astros' hottest hitter - and their current good luck charm. — He's got a franchise record to prove it, too.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Dave Del Grande / UPI:
Verlander, Astros go for sweep against A's — OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics will encounter one of their all-time nemeses Thursday afternoon when they face Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander in the finale of a three-game series. — The Astros have dominated the first two games …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Larry Fleisher / UPI:
Torres built to last as Yankees host Rays — NEW YORK — In the last few days, manager Aaron Boone has moved some things around with the lineup for the New York Yankees. — He moved Didi Gregorius up to third following a two-homer game Tuesday and slotted Greg Bird seventh.
Discussion:
DRaysBay and Pinstripe Alley
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
NL Central thoughts: Cubs-Brewers rivalry strengthens as Cardinals prepare to face Jake Arrieta — Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery discusses his start against the Brewers on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune — The Brewers snatched first place …
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Steve Rosenbloom / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Cubs need a six-man rotation when Yu Darvish returns
Christopher Stock / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Sandoval lifts Giants in 16th, Longoria injures hand — MIAMI (AP) — It was a much-needed win for the — San Francisco Giants, but it came at a great cost. — Pablo Sandoval's tie-breaking two-run single in the 16th inning lifted the Giants past the — Miami Marlins 6-3 on Thursday, but the Giants also lost third baseman
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and Fish Stripes
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Craig Davis / Baltimore Sun:
Marlins rally three times, defeat Giants on Brian Anderson's sacrifice fly
Marlins rally three times, defeat Giants on Brian Anderson's sacrifice fly
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, McCovey Chronicles and Fish Stripes
Associated Press:
Police: Former All-Star pitcher Kevin Brown held alleged mail thieves at gunpoint — Authorities say a former major league All-Star pitcher held two people at gunpoint after they took mail from his mailbox. — The Bibb County Sheriff's office said on Facebook that deputies responded …
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Laura Corley / miamiherald:
Ex-major league pitcher catches alleged mail thieves in action, deputies say
Ex-major league pitcher catches alleged mail thieves in action, deputies say
Discussion:
WPIX 11 New York, MLB Baseball News … and New York Daily News
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Padres' Relievers Drawing Trade Interest — The Padres, unsurprisingly, have already been receiving trade inquirieson their relievers, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic in his latest notes column (subscription required). Not only is Brad Hand garnering a strong bit of interest …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Guy Curtright / UPI:
Braves happy to face Padres in Atlanta
Braves happy to face Padres in Atlanta
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball and Talking Chop
ESPN:
MLB dads Jeff Trout, Mike Bryant, Brad Scherzer on when they knew their sons would be stars — Fathers of five MLB All-Stars — Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, Max Scherzer, Nolan Arenado and Justin Upton — reveal the moments they realized their sons had what it takes to make it as pro ballplayers.
ESPN:
Cleveland's bullpen proves the baseball gods are cruel — Last year, the 102-win Cleveland Indians were one of the great teams of the modern era: Their starting pitchers had the American League's lowest ERA, their offense scored more runs per game than all but two AL teams, and their defense was …
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Ronald Acuna not yet cleared for rehab assignment — Ronald Acuna doesn't know how to go less than 100 percent. That's in part how he injured himself running through first base in Boston. — It's now part of the reason he's yet to begin a rehab stint. — The Braves' prized 20-year …
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart continues to make strides as right-handed hitter — KANSAS CITY, MO. - Facing Colorado Rockies left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland earlier this month, Tucker Barnhart smacked an opposite-field single in the fourth inning and a two-run single in the seventh.
Tommy Birch / Des Moines Register:
Iowa Cubs' Marty Pevey to manage in Triple-A All-Star Game — Iowa Cubs manager Marty Pevey is headed to the Triple-A All-Star Game. — He was selected to manage the Pacific Coast League during the game, which is set to be held on July 11 at Huntington Park.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Chris Gimenez on the perils of pitching for position players: ‘The slope will do weird things to your arm’ — Cubs reliever Steve Cishek discusses playing left field during the eighth inning against the Brewers on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Scott Boeck / USA Today:
Death of the hitting pitcher? MLB's Rob Manfred hints at progress on universal DH — Major League Baseball has moved methodically to eliminate many distinctions between the American and National leagues in recent years, and Thursday, Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated there is momentum toward perhaps …
Toronto:
Josh Donaldson rejoins Blue Jays after injury — TORONTO — All-star third baseman Josh Donaldson is a step closer to rejoining the Blue Jays. — The team said Thursday that Donaldson has flown back to Toronto after spending time rehabilitating his leg at the team's facility in Dunedin, Fla.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
Jack Magruder / UPI:
Mets, D-backs headed in opposite directions — PHOENIX — As Arizona added another contributor, the New York Mets continued to run into road blocks. — Diamondbacks outfielder Jon Jay had hit leadoff in all five of his starts since joining the team in Colorado last week, and he has been good.
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Game Day: Arizona Diamondbacks play host to New York Mets
Game Day: Arizona Diamondbacks play host to New York Mets
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and AZ Snake Pit