Top News:
Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — It's the cloud that lingers every time Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound, even on a day as clear and sunny as Wednesday afternoon was at Comerica Park. — At best, the five-year, $110 million contract the Detroit Tigers handed to Zimmermann three winters ago can be called a mild failure.
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' John Hicks to undergo surgery, likely out for season — John Hicks' season is likely over. — After visiting Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, Hicks will undergo surgery to repair a bilateral core muscle defect in his abdominal wall, Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Phil Thompson / Chicago Tribune:
Palka-dancing? Daniel Palka turns his base-running gaffe into a bonus for the White Sox
Palka-dancing? Daniel Palka turns his base-running gaffe into a bonus for the White Sox
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Toronto Sun:
Puig takes swing at Hundley before Giants rally past Dodgers — LOS ANGELES (AP) Yasiel Puig took a swing at Giants catcher Nick Hundley during a benches-clearing scrap in the seventh inning, then Alen Hanson hit an RBI single in the ninth to lift San Francisco over the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and MLB Baseball News …
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Greg Moore / Arizona Republic:
Last Slide — Let me guess: The Diamondbacks missed an opportunity to sweep through some last-place teams and get way up on the Dodgers and Rockies in the National League West divisional race. Archie Bradley all of the sudden can't get anybody out. And the bats keep falling asleep!
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Last Slide — ARLINGTON, Texas - The Diamondbacks scored twice in the first inning on Monday night against Rangers starter Bartolo Colon, then added another run off him later in the game. It wasn't the kind of explosive night they wanted, but three runs in five innings against the opposing starter is far from disappointing.
Arizona Republic:
Keone Kela, RHP, Pirates — Since being traded from the Rangers to the Pirates, Kela has allowed just four baserunners and has not allowed a run in five outings with his new club. He is holding opponents to a .188 average and has six strikeouts to just one walk in five innings of work with Pittsburgh.
Daily Record:
Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo still working often despite limitations — Mets lefty Jason Vargas on his outing against the Orioles Matt Ehalt, Staff Writer, @MattEhalt — Roughly one week ago, Mets manager Mickey Callaway revealed that the Mets planned to limit how often they use Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo in the final six weeks.
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com
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Todd Karpovich / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Davis, Jones, Beckham go deep as O's beat Mets 6-3
Davis, Jones, Beckham go deep as O's beat Mets 6-3
Discussion:
New York Post and Amazin' Avenue
ESPN:
Are position players actually good pitchers? Yes — and definitely no — From 1992 through 2006, 58 position players pitched in major league games. This year, 54 have already done so. In that 15-year period, a fan who watched every game his or her favorite team played would have seen …
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Associated Press:
Acuna still sizzling, homers twice in Braves' 10-6 win over Marlins — ATLANTA - Ronald Acuna Jr. became the youngest player in major league history to homer in five straight games, hitting a leadoff shot on the first pitch and adding a three-run long ball in the seventh inning to help …
Discussion:
Talking Chop, MLB Baseball News …, Fish Stripes and baseballmusings.com
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David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Real or Not? Ronald Acuna Jr., instant superstar — The first thing that strikes you about Ronald Acuna Jr. is how much this kid enjoys playing the game. He's flat-out fun to watch and not just because he's doing things we've never seen from someone so young.
Associated Press:
Brewers RHP Jimmy Nelson unlikely to return this season — CHICAGO (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are casting doubt on Jimmy Nelson's chances of returning this season. — Nelson had shoulder surgery in September after he got hurt diving back to first after rounding the base on a single.
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David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Where would the Red Sox be without J.D. Martinez? — The Boston Red Sox were an excellent team in 2017, going 93-69 and winning the AL East before losing to the Astros in the Division Series. — The Red Sox made one major transaction in the offseason, signing J.D. Martinez as a free agent.
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Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Porcello supplies crisp stuff, basepaths mayhem and another win
Porcello supplies crisp stuff, basepaths mayhem and another win
Discussion:
Over the Monster and MLB Baseball News …
Tim Liotta / Associated Press:
Upton homers, drives in 3 to lift Angels past Padres 7-3 — SAN DIEGO (AP) Taylor Ward acted like it was his first day in the majors everywhere but in the batter's box. — Ward went with a pitch and hit an opposite-field RBI double in his first major league at-bat, and had two hits …
Associated Press:
Liner knocks Paxton out as A's edge Mariners — Felix Hernandez replaced Paxton — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Jed Lowrie hit his 100th career homer after his line drive knocked Mariners ace James Paxton out of the game, and the Oakland Athletics beat Seattle 3-2 on Tuesday night to move within …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Naples Herald, Lookout Landing, U.S.S. Mariner and Beyond the Box Score
Tampa Bay Times:
For starters: Rays at Yankees, with Jake Faria on the mound — The Rays will try again tonight to end their struggles at Yankee Stadium and will have RHP Jake Faria on the mound.With Tuesday's 4-1 defeat, the Rays have now lost 14 of their 17 games at Yankee Sta
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Acquire Terrance Gore — The Cubs have acquired outfielder Terrance Gore from the Royals, per an announcement from the Kansas City organization. Cash considerations will head back in return. — Gore, 27, will presumably reprise his role as a late-season/postseason threat on the bases.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
ESPN:
Avisail Garcia to have arthroscopic knee surgery in offseason — Chicago White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia expects to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery after this season. — Garcia, who has missed 60 games with knee and hamstring injuries this season, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he plans to …