Top News:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Dodgers' big move puts ball in Theo Epstein's court to shore up Cubs pitching — Photos from the Cubs-Cardinals game at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 20, 2018. — Chicago Tribune — It has been a very strange season for the Cubs, who may claim the National League Central by default the way things are falling into place.
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Associated Press:
Heyward helps Cubs beat Cardinals 9-6 in return from break — CHICAGO — The All-Star break is over. It's right about now when the Chicago Cubs usually take off. — Jason Heyward had three hits and two RBI, Ian Happ belted a two-run homer and the Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-6 …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Beyond the Box Score, Bleed Cubbie Blue and ESPN
Associated Press:
Boston's Holt injured at end of wild play in Detroit — DETROIT (AP) — Boston Red Sox second baseman Brock Holt left Friday night's game at Detroit in the fourth inning with what appeared to be a right knee injury. — Holt stayed on the ground for a while at the end of a wild play.
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Scott Miller / Bleacher Report:
Severino Finds Stardom Thanks to Yanks Enemy Turned Ace Whisperer Pedro Martinez
Severino Finds Stardom Thanks to Yanks Enemy Turned Ace Whisperer Pedro Martinez
Discussion:
Boston Globe and NESN.com
Dana Gauruder / UPI:
Red Sox slugger Martinez pays visit to Tigers
Red Sox slugger Martinez pays visit to Tigers
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Over the Monster
Associated Press:
Texas heat: Hottest home game for Rangers in 25 seasons — ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mother Nature is bringing the heat at the home ballpark of the Texas Rangers. — The temperature was 107 degrees for the first pitch just after 7 p.m. Friday, when the Rangers played the Cleveland Indians in their first game after the All-Star break.
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Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
265 or bust! Yankees eye home run history in second half — NEW YORK — Aaron Boone appeared annoyed by the question, one he'd fielded several times already during the opening half of his first season as a big league manager. — Can this team really thrive relying so heavily on home runs?
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
Reuters:
Diaz's fourth hit sends Jays past O's in 10th — Aledmys Diaz had four hits, including the game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Baltimore Orioles 8-7 on Friday night. — After the Orioles tied the game with a three-run ninth …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
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Larry Millson / UPI:
Orioles move on after Machado deal to face Blue Jays
Orioles move on after Machado deal to face Blue Jays
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bluebird Banter and Camden Chat
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Rain delays loom as Cincinnati Reds begin weekend series — With the Reds back from the All-Star break, there's a chance for rain throughout the weekend at Great American Ball Park. — The Reds dealt with two postponements because of rain earlier this season, including Opening Day.
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Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks' 20th anniversary team … CONNECT — When a fan asked about the state of starting pitcher's roles in the modern game during the announcement of the 20th anniversary team, Diamondbacks great Randy Johnson did not hold back. — He was adamant that pitchers today …
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Greg Auman / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays journal: Replacement catcher Adam Moore ready to play — ST. PETERSBURG — The newest Rays player is also nearly the oldest. — With All-Star C Wilson Ramos on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, Tampa Bay turned to veteran Adam Moore, 34, as the new backup catcher behind Jesus Sucre.
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Associated Press:
Manny Machado finally joins Dodgers following months of trade speculation — It's a whole new beginning for Manny Machado after months of uncertainty. Perfect time for a new number, too. — One with an LA story and a Baltimore past. — Machado joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Instead of fixing what's wrong with baseball, it's time to appreciate what's right — Chicago Tribune — Appearing before a Senate subcommittee on antitrust and monopoly on July 9, 1958, Yankees manager Casey Stengel gave a couple of long-winded and convoluted answers to the questions of Sen. Estes Kefauver.
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
MLB fighting an unwinnable battle with Mike Trout
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Jacob deGrom's teammates have his back amid ace's demands to Mets front office: ‘He has every right to say that’ — Jacob deGrom's demands at the All-Star Game completely blindsided the Mets' front office, but in the clubhouse, it did not surprise anyone who had been paying attention.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Alden GonzalezESPN / ESPN:
Mike Scioscia: Shohei Ohtani expected to pitch again this year — ANAHEIM, Calif. — At around 5 p.m. PT on Friday, while most of his teammates were taking part in pregame batting practice, Shohei Ohtani stood about 60 feet away from the left-field line, acted out his pitching motion and repeatedly tossed baseballs overhand.
Harvey Valentine / UPI:
Nationals hope Strasburg's return a difference vs. Braves — WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals starting rotation gets a much-needed boost Friday night with the return of Stephen Strasburg. — The right-hander, out since exiting his start on June 8 with right shoulder inflammation …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Federal Baseball
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Josh Hader faces long journey to redemption, forgiveness after apologizing to teammates — MILWAUKEE — We are supposed to forgive and forget, believing they were stupid, irresponsible mistakes made by Milwaukee Brewers All-Star reliever Josh Hader as a teenager. — But we can't. — Not yet.
Discussion:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel