Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
There's no ducking the numbers: MLB has a bad baseball problem that's only getting worse — It's a shame Eddie Gaedel isn't with us anymore. This is his time to shine. — You remember, Gaedel? He was the 3-foot-7 slugger hired by St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck as a publicity stunt …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels … ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Desert Nail Spa in Scottsdale picked up a new client this year. A regular visitor since February, he fist bumps employees when he walks through the door, and once he sits down, his usual nail technician knows exactly what he wants done.
Associated Press:
Trout stays hot, Angels hold on for 5-4 win over Arizona — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — There is never a June gloom for Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout. — Trout drove in two runs, Kole Calhoun and Ian Kinsler added solo homers and the Angels held on for a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Jon Lester expects great plays from Cubs' exceptional defensive players — Cubs second baseman Javier Baez on the defensive gems against the Dodgers: 'That's what we do' (Mark Gonzales) — Chicago Tribune — After Albert Almora Jr. made a diving catch in center field to rob Yasiel Puig …
RELATED:
Matt Carlson / Associated Press:
Cubs beat Dodgers 2-1 in 10 innings for doubleheader split
Cubs beat Dodgers 2-1 in 10 innings for doubleheader split
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleed Cubbie Blue, True Blue LA and MLB Daily Dish
Toronto Sun:
Cubs, Dodgers go for series win after doubleheader split
Cubs, Dodgers go for series win after doubleheader split
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Cleveland Indians complete three-game sweep of Chicago White Sox with 12-0 win at Progressive Field — The Cleveland Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 12-0 win at Progressive Field Wednesday. — CLEVELAND — Good things happen when the Cleveland Indians …
RELATED:
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
After ejection, White Sox's Rick Renteria offers some support, criticism for Yoan Moncada — White Sox manager Rick Renteria discusses his ejection during the team's 12-0 loss to the Indians on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. (Colleen Kane/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Free agency checkup: Which stars are adding and losing money? — Let's check in on some members of the so-called greatest free-agent class ever — although it's admittedly a little less great given the results and/or injuries of Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw and Josh Donaldson …
RELATED:
Chelsea Janes / Chicago Tribune:
Nationals GM says Bryce Harper has handled struggles with ‘class and dignity’ — The Washington Post — If Bryce Harper did not have such a long and varied résumé of major-league successes, what has happened over the last few weeks would not be worth the energy so many who write and talk about this game devote to it.
David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Real or Not? Giants disgrace the game with latest beanballs — The San Francisco Giants disgraced themselves on Tuesday night, throwing at an opposing batter for no reason and putting one of the faces of baseball in jeopardy as a result. This wasn't old-school, eye-for-an-eye baseball …
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Former Cubs pitching coach Billy Connors dead at 76 — Billy Connors (right) with former Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte during spring training in 2010. (Associated Press) Chicago Tribune — Former Cubs pitching coach Billy Connors died Monday at the age of 76.
RELATED:
Dan Martin / New York Post:
Yankees' pitching whisperer Billy Connors dead at 76
Yankees' pitching whisperer Billy Connors dead at 76
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and baseballmusings.com
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
The true madness of Max Scherzer — Max Scherzer swears he's normal. The evidence points to the contrary. — The day before a recent start in Baltimore, the Washington Nationals' ace plopped himself in front of a laptop at the video table inside the visitors clubhouse.
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Bailey's back with the Cincinnati Reds, but plan remains unclear — Homer Bailey was back in the Reds clubhouse Wednesday. He did not add a whole lot of clarity to his situation. — As for an update? — “I don't have one,” he said. “Ask other people. They know better than I do.”
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Game Day: Diamondbacks travel to Pittsburgh to face Pirates — The Arizona Diamondbacks stay on the road to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a four-game weekend series. Stay with this page for pitching matchups, scoring updates and notes. — PREGAME READING: — Thursday's game
Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
Yankees launching a historic home run barrage — NEW YORK — Records, as the old saying goes, were made to be broken. — And right now, the New York Yankees stand a very good chance to shatter one of baseball's more respected team offensive marks. — “Everybody here can hit,” third baseman Miguel Andujar said.
Discussion:
Deadspin, New York Post and Pinstripe Alley
Larry Millson / UPI:
Atlanta Braves try to stay hot against Toronto Blue Jays — TORONTO — Atlanta Braves first-year general manager Alex Anthopoulos was not sure how well his new team would do this season. — “You know what, we didn't know what to expect,” the former Toronto Blue Jays general manager Anthopoulos …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Talking Chop
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Young starters Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisigo have more than pitched in for needy Yankee rotation — It's a testament to the Yankees' front office and farm system depth that they've been able to call up relative unknowns like Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga, both of whom …
Eric Olson / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
AP sources: Tigers-Royals to play in Omaha before 2019 CWS — Kansas City Royals will play a regular-season game in Omaha the week the 2019 College World Series opens, The Associated Press has learned. — Major League Baseball and the NCAA have been working to arrange a game as a kickoff event to the CWS …
Discussion:
Detroit News and Royals Review
Tommy Birch / Des Moines Register:
5 Iowa Cubs who should be considered for the Triple-A All-Star Game — Triple-A baseball came to Des Moines in 1968 with the Iowa Oaks, and the Iowa Cubs have carried the torch since 1982. Here's a collection of some of the biggest names and best players during that time.
Mike DiGiovanna / Baltimore Sun:
Success of Shohei Ohtani is inspiring more players to seek two-way roles — Inland Empire first baseman Jared Walsh is all smiles after hitting a home run against the Lancaster JetHawks at the Hanger on May 8. (Shotgun Spratling / Los Angeles Times) — What Shohei Ohtani did for the Angels …