Top News:
Alex Butler / UPI:
Mike Trout homers in Angels' win over Jays as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits — Rookie phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had the day off as Mike Trout led the Los Angeles Angels over the Toronto Blue Jays. — Guerrero had the first rest day of his career since being called up April 26.
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Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Why the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry matters again — CHICAGO — Like the latest episode of HBO's “Game of Thrones,” the battle to take place at Wrigley Field this weekend has been brewing for some time. In fact, the rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals goes back about as far as Westeros.
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Jeremy Cluff / Arizona Republic:
Cody Bellinger off to one of best starts in MLB history with Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 — Cody Bellinger is on pace to hit nearly 70 home runs this season. — But he's doing so much more than hit home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. — The former Chandler Hamilton High standout recently wrapped …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
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Tim Tucker / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves trail last season's attendance pace — After 20 games at SunTrust Park this season, roughly one-fourth of their home schedule, the Braves trail last year's attendance pace. — They have drawn an average of 29,744 per game in announced attendance, down almost 6% from 31,556 through the same number of home games last year.
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Fire Pitching Coach Derek Lilliquist — The Nationals have fired pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, Mike Rizzo told reporters after tonight's game, including Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post (Twitter links). Taking over the post will be Paul Menhart.
Discussion:
The Good Phight, Federal Baseball and MLB Baseball News …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Blame Dave Martinez for the Nats' struggles? Mike Rizzo would rather you blame him.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Federal Baseball
Associated Press:
Indians to detail Kluber's prognosis on Friday — CLEVELAND — The Indians decided during the winter their starting pitching would carry them to another October. — Cleveland's ride might end before then. — Corey Kluber's broken right arm may alter the plans for a season the Indians hoped …
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Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
Cleveland Indians will give Corey Kluber update on Friday; lengthy rehab expected
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Berrios, Castro carry AL-leading Twins past Astros 8-2 — MINNEAPOLIS — After a lopsided sweep of the rebuilding Baltimore Orioles to start their homestand, the Minnesota Twins faced a much better test of their strong start to the season with a four-game series against the Houston Astros.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Kyle Hendricks to start for Cubs vs. Cardinals with wind blowing in at Wrigley Field — Chicago Tribune — The sun is out at Wrigley Field for Friday's series opener between the Cubs and Cardinals, though a cold wind is blowing in from left field, making it a pitchers' day.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Slugger Paul Goldschmidt has tormented the Cubs. …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Reds Promote Nick Senzel — The Reds announced that they have selected the contract of Nick Senzel, making the promotion of one of baseball's premier prospects official. Senzel will join the active roster in place of right-hander Matthew Bowman, who has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Red Reporter
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays journal: Yet another win for Tyler Glasnow, as he's named AL Pitcher of the Month — Morton gives the Rays a strong start vs. Royals; Wood heads to injured list and Duffy to rehab games. — KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tyler Glasnow has been one of the biggest early-season success stories …
Discussion:
The Ringer, DRaysBay and FanGraphs Baseball
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ESPN:
Red Sox's Pedroia goes 0-for-3 in first rehab game — Dustin Pedroia went 0-for-3 in his first rehab game for Double-A Portland on Thursday night. — The veteran Red Sox second baseman started this season on the injured list and played in just six games before leaving an April 17 game …
Evan Grant / Dallas-Fort Worth Sports News:
Rangers claim unofficial lead in unflattering statistic involving Tommy John surgeries — ARLINGTON - The most recent rash of Tommy John surgeries within the Rangers organization has given the club a most unwanted title. They hold the all-time unofficial lead in Tommy John operations …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
ESPN:
Nats' Strasburg fewest innings to 1,500 career K's — WASHINGTON — Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg reached 1,500 strikeouts in fewer innings pitched than any player in major league history, hitting the milestone during Washington's game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
ESPN:
MLB Weekend Watch: Picks, opinions on rivalries old and new — It's a weekend of rivalries old and new — Cardinals vs. Cubs, Dodgers vs. Padres, Bryce Harper's old team vs. Bryce Harper's new team. Here's your guide to all the fun. — Cardinals-Cubs has long been considered one of baseball's best rivalries.
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Dom Smith providing starter-level production from deep Mets bench — As Jed Lowrie begins to make his way back from the injured list, the Mets will have to send one of their many infielders back down to the minor leagues. Fans can find solace in the fact that Dominic Smith is expected to make the cut.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Gorman's hand-me-down cleats inspire power surge by Peoria first baseman — WASHINGTON — Brady Whalen, a first baseman for the Cardinals' Low-A affiliate in Peoria, socked three homers in the span of three games, and when asked about the surge by the team's media relations department, Whalen pointed to his cleats.
