Top News:
Scott Boeck / Arizona Republic:
Cubs closer Pedro Strop earns save after his car was stolen — Chicago Cubs closer Pedro Strop earned his third save of the season Wednesday night while police were in pursuit of his stolen car. — Strop had his car stolen earlier in the day before the Cubs hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Epstein: ‘No finish line’ on Russell return to Cubs — Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein said the team will go “day to day” and wait to make a determination on suspended shortstop Addison Russell after he plays his seven rehab games in the minors. — The Cubs could simply keep Russell …
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs' Strop loses car, gets save on ‘crazy day’ — CHICAGO — Cubs closer Pedro Strop had to cut short talking with the police regarding his stolen car on Wednesday, just in time to secure the save in a wild 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. — Strop said his car was stolen earlier in the day.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and New York Post
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
After the Cubs staff turns it around, Theo Epstein praises his pitchers' resiliency — Photos from the Cubs' 2-1 loss to the Dodgers on April 25, 2019 at Wrigley Field. — Chicago Tribune — When discussing his pitchers' recent resurgence, Cubs President Theo Epstein maintained …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Jon Lester returns from the injured list as the Cubs go for the sweep of the Dodgers — Chicago Tribune — Left-handed ace Jon Lester returns from the injured list as the Cubs go for the three-game sweep of the Dodgers at Wrigley Field on Thursday. — The Cubs are 9-3 since Lester went …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and MLB Baseball News …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Miguel Andujar expected to participate in extended spring training Friday — ANAHEIM — Miguel Andujar is expected to be testing his right shoulder in an extended spring training game on Friday. The Yankees' third baseman is trying to avoid season-ending surgery on his right labrum.
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The Tennessean:
Phillies' Rhys Hoskins trolls Mets with casual stroll around bases after home run — He didn't charge the mound, but Rhys Hoskins got some revenge on Wednesday. — One night after Jacob Rhame nearly hit him high twice, Hoskins took the Mets reliever deep to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead, which would stand as the final score.
Discussion:
Sporting News, The Good Phight and MLB Baseball News …
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Cincinnati.com:
Nick Senzel is doing well, but there's no timetable for him joining the Cincinnati Reds — Nick Senzel was not in the lineup for the Louisville Bats Thursday night. Read absolutely nothing into that, i.e., Senzel wasn't headed up I-71 to join the Reds. — But reports on him are good.
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Andrew Joseph / USA Today:
The Reds ripped off the Braves' ‘Beat the Freeze’ and now they need to race — They say imitation is a form of flattery, and when it comes to the in-game promotional gimmicks, there's plenty of imitation across baseball. — It was only a matter of time until another team saw the success …
Discussion:
Red Reporter
Chandler Rome / Houston Chronicle:
Astros' Michael Brantley faces his former Indians squad — Whether he strokes single or strikes out, makes a diving catch or watches a detonated home run travel above his head in left field, Michael Brantley exudes no emotion. — Part of Brantley's demeanor is what attracted the Astros to him this past offseason.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
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David Barron / Houston Chronicle:
Justin Verlander, Astros cruise to win over Twins in series finale
Justin Verlander, Astros cruise to win over Twins in series finale
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Angie Ricono / KCTV:
KCTV5 obtains recording of Tyreek Hill and Crystal Espinal discussing their son's broken arm — FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) - KCTV5's investigative department was sent a recording of Tyreek Hill and his fiancé discussing the police investigation and what they are telling police.
Discussion:
Chicago Sun-Times, New York Post, ProFootballTalk, CBS Boston, The Big Lead and Associated Press
Jordan McPherson / Miami Herald:
Marlins catcher Alfaro's power has been on full display — when he's not striking out — When you watch what Jorge Alfaro did in the fifth inning Tuesday, when he effortlessly belted a fastball just above the strike zone for a 357-foot home run over the right-field fence at Progressive Field …
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers promote Casey Mize Double-A: ‘He needs to be challenged’ — BOSTON — Last June, the Detroit Tigers were at Fenway Park the day after the team drafted Casey Mize with the No. 1 overall pick. — The anticipation, even then — not even a day into Mize's Tigers tenure — was palpable.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Lynn Worthy / Kansas City Star:
Royals-Angels series preview, probable pitchers: Duffy to pitch opener of homestand — Matchup: The Royals (8-17) begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Saturday's game …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Mark Faller / Arizona Republic:
Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks sweep Pittsburgh Pirates to finish 8-2 road trip — PITTSBURGH - Thirty runs. Forty-seven hits. Three quality pitching starts. — This is just some of the damage the Diamondbacks did in a four-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates …
Jay Cannon / USA Today:
Legendary baseball broadcaster Jon Miller reflects on his storied career — There are few more qualified to speak on baseball and how much it's changed over the past half century than longtime play-by-play announcer Jon Miller. — Miller, who got his start as a major league announcer in 1974 …
David Ginsburg / Associated Press:
Ervin Santana struggles again as White Sox lose 4-3 to Orioles — Photos from the White Sox's 4-3 loss to the Orioles on April 24, 2019, in Baltimore. — An unusual second-chance home run enabled the Orioles to put a satisfying finish on a homestand that began with four straight defeats.
Discussion:
Baltimore Sun, ABC News and The Daily Item
Jesse Dougherty / Washington Post:
Nationals plan to call up top prospect Carter Kieboom — The Washington Nationals are planning to call up top prospect Carter Kieboom, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation, and the infielder is expected to join the team ahead of Friday's home game against the San Diego Padres.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News … and Federal Baseball