Hard to get a handle on these bipolar Cubs  —  “You've got to keep big picture in mind,” Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said about the team's hot and cold season, “and there are a lot more at-bats to come.  It's a day-to-day grind.”  (John Minchillo / AP)  —  Chicago Tribune

Tigers Sign Casey Mize  —  The Tigers announced today that they've signed No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize.  He'll be introduced today at a press conference.  Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports (via Twitter) that the former Auburn ace received a $7.5MM signing bonus — a new record bonus for the current draft structure.

New York Yankees stay on road after getting swept to play Philadelphia Phillies  —  The New York Yankees are in the midst of their longest losing streak of the season.  —  It's only three losses in a row for the Yankees, but they enter the week with an injured starting catcher and a meeting with a surging opponent.

Justin Verlander faces Happ when Astros, Blue Jays tangle  —  HOUSTON — For a third consecutive start on Sunday, Houston Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole encountered a stretch where he wrestled with his control, a span of innings that called for his battery mate to help steer him through the rough patch and into smoother waters.

After tough stretch, New York Mets schedule lightens up over next two weeks  —  Greg Tartaglia, Staff Writer, @NJTags13  —  The Mets have had better weeks.  —  They went 1-6 this past week and have now lost six straight after being swept by the Dodgers this past weekend at Citi Field.

Power Rankings: Which AL power is No. 1 this week?  —  It's more of the same at the top of the rankings, with the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs hanging on to the top three spots.  Houston picked up four first-place votes, with Boston picking up the other one.

Who's indispensable to his team's postseason chances?  —  As we head toward the second half and the trade deadline, the teams with the most incentive to make a splash are those living on the margins, with their playoff fates in doubt.  Manny Machado is a no-doubt-about-it superstar …

Angels face unique challenge in trying to get Shohei Ohtani right  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani's situation isn't just complex, it's unprecedented.  —  One hundred years had passed since a major league player simultaneously handled pitching and hitting the way Ohtani did during his first 10 weeks with the Los Angeles Angels.

Rockies can't weather the storm at home … DENVER — Derek Dietrich was hoping for a chance at history but settled for a win in a torrid month for the Miami outfielder.  —  He homered for the third consecutive game, leading Miami over the Colorado Rockies 8-5 on Sunday.

So How Good Are The Red Sox, Really?  —  Contributor I will share with you my unique perspective on the Boston Red Sox Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. … While it was just three out of 162 games, this was a very big weekend series for the Red Sox.

Oakland A's turn to well-traveled Edwin Jackson to start against Detroit Tigers  —  Edwin Jackson has pitched for a lot of teams.  The Oakland A's have burned through many starting pitchers this season.  —  In a case of harmonic convergence, Jackson will join the A's on Monday and immediately jump into the rotation.

Nationals' Bryce Harper could add star power to Home Run Derby in D.C.  —  Photos from the 2017 All-Star game Home Run Derby at Marlins Park in Miami.  —  The Home Run Derby held during All-Star Week usually relies on star power to be successful.  Last year it had plenty …

Adam Engel calls himself ‘Man of Steal,’ but in center field, ‘Super Fly’ might be catchier  —  Adam Engel scores on a double by Yoan Moncada as Athletics catcher Jonathan Lucroy, right, looks to the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Guaranteed Rate Field.

D-backs Farm Rumblings: Ray, Delgado getting closer to MLB returns  —  Here's a quick look at what went on in the Arizona Diamondbacks' minor league system last week.  —  Team League Week/Overall Standing  —  Reno Aces  —  Pacific Coast League (Triple-A)  —  1-5 / 34-42