Top News:
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
Underperforming Nationals' offense still hasn't come together — WASHINGTON — Don't be fooled by the W. The Washington Nationals have an offense problem. — Yes, they managed to prevail in the finale of their three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles, squeaking out a 4-2 victory on Thursday night.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
RELATED:
Jorge Castillo / Washington Post:
Nationals vs. Phillies series preview: NL East rivals try to create a little distance — After a nine-game waltz with American League competition, the Nationals return to divisional play Friday at Nationals Park, where they will host the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game weekend set.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, Phillies Nation and Federal Baseball
David Ginsburg / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Soto's 2-run double carries Nationals past Orioles 4-2
Soto's 2-run double carries Nationals past Orioles 4-2
Discussion:
Federal Baseball, Talking Chop, Camden Chat and UPI
Joe Totoraitis / Associated Press:
Suter goes 7, Brewers beat error-prone Cardinals 11-3 — MILWAUKEE (AP) Brent Suter turned a quick mistake into a big win over the St. Louis Cardinals. — The left-hander pitched seven strong innings, Manny Pina homered and the Milwaukee Brewers capitalized on a season-high four errors by St. Louis in an 11-3 victory Thursday night.
RELATED:
John Perrotto / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Marte, Avila power Diamondbacks over Pirates 9-3 — Alex Avila each hit two-run homers and the — Arizona Diamondbacks scored eight runs in the first three innings to power their way to a 9-3 victory over the — Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night. — Marte's blast capped a three-run first …
Discussion:
Arizona Republic, Bucs Dugout and AZ Snake Pit
RELATED:
Dan Arritt / UPI:
Trout rolling as Angels face Blue Jays — Already the owner of two American League Most Valuable Player awards by age 25, Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is showing there's always room for improvement. — Trout is having the best offensive month of his major-league career heading …
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Rob Longley / Toronto Sun:
Finger woes take down Blue Jays starter Sanchez
Finger woes take down Blue Jays starter Sanchez
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Dan Greenspan / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Valbuena hits 2 HRs, Angels power past Blue Jays 8-5
Valbuena hits 2 HRs, Angels power past Blue Jays 8-5
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Rotoworld.com:
Dose: The Unwritten Rules — They say elephants never forget. And apparently, neither does Hunter Strickland. — The Giants closer boasts a high-90s fastball, but what you won't find on the scouting report is that he also has a photographic memory when it comes to players who have wronged him (at least in his mind).
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Longtime Cubs-Dodgers rivalry gets intense reboot — Cubs manager Joe Maddon: ‘They hit the ball well but we were in the right spots. Great plays all the way around.’ (Mark Gonzales) — Chicago Tribune — The Cubs and Dodgers resume their 142-year-old rivalry Monday night in Los Angeles …
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Jesse RogersESPN / ESPN:
Cubs face tough stretch without key members of their bullpen
Associated Press:
Ichi-who? Suzuki Sits on Mariners' Bench in Fake Mustache Disguise — Officially, Suzuki isn't allowed to be in the dugout during games under Major League Baseball rules. He came off the Seattle roster in early May and moved into the team's front office as a special assistant to the chairman.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, NBCSports.com, The Comeback and CBS Atlanta
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Tough result in Cincinnati doesn't discourage Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks — Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks heads to the dugout after being removed during the sixth inning against the Reds on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Cincinnati. (John Minchillo/AP) — Chicago Tribune
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Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds notebook: Struggling reliever Wandy Peralta sent to the minor leagues
Cincinnati Reds notebook: Struggling reliever Wandy Peralta sent to the minor leagues
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
Pump the brakes on a universal DH, and MLB's next big thing — There are some debates in baseball that just never go away. To be fair, baseball itself causes some of this by stirring the pot from time to time, and that's not a bad thing. Anything that generates discussion is good.
Evan Grant / The Charlotte Observer:
The untold story of Adrian Beltre's MLB debut, 20 years later — Here is how much of a fixture Adrian Beltre has become at third base: In baseball's history, only two players have started more games at a single position than Beltre, who is approaching start No. 2,700, has at third.
RELATED:
Bill Baer / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Report: Phillies interested in Adrian Beltre
Report: Phillies interested in Adrian Beltre
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, The Good Phight and Dallas Morning News
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Activate Avisail Garcia, Designate Trayce Thompson — The White Sox announced Friday that they've activated both Avisail Garcia and Leury Garcia from the disabled list. In order to clear roster space, infielder Jose Rondon has been optioned to Triple-A Charlotte …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Al's Ramblings
Associated Press:
Giants' Hunter Strickland says he'll consider counseling after latest outburst — SAN FRANCISCO — Giants closer Hunter Strickland apologized to his team and fans and said he'd consider anger management counseling three days after injuring his hand punching a door in frustration after a blown save against Miami.
Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — CLEVELAND - Ready or not, MLB trade deadline season is here. It had an abrupt start earlier this week when the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals convened for an aggressive early-summer move in a trade sending veteran reliever Kelvin Herrera to D.C.
MoiseKapenda Bower / UPI:
Astros stick with short bullpen vs. Royals — HOUSTON — Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch occasionally bristles at conventional methodology, particularly given the availability of superior data and how its dissemination shapes decisions. — For instance, last Friday in Kansas City …
Yahoo Sports / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Red Sox star speaking about about MLB's ills — SEATTLE — Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Martinez should feel vindicated. After an offseason in which numerous people tried to pick apart his game, Martinez is performing better than ever. He's transformed the Red Sox's offense from punchless to powerful …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing