Top News:
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources: Rays to explore playing in Montreal — The Tampa Bay Rays received permission from Major League Baseball's executive council to explore a plan in which they would play early-season home games in the Tampa Bay area and the remainder of the year in Montreal, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.
RELATED:
John Romano / Tampa Bay Times:
If the Montreal idea is bogus, what are the Rays really thinking? — St. Petersburg's mayor had already shot down the idea of a shared agreement with Montreal, which means the Rays dropped a bombshell knowing it was a long shot. — ST. PETERSBURG — And so it begins. The dance, if not the departure.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes and DRaysBay
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays to explore splitting home games with Montreal — Rays have MLB's permission, say plan could keep baseball in Tampa Bay long-term. There are several issues. — The Rays are going to explore splitting home games with Montreal in future seasons as part of a plan they say would keep baseball in the Tampa Bay area long term.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Athletics Nation, New York Times, Purple Row and Bluebird Banter
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets pitchers scuffle hours after coaching shakeup at Wrigley — CHICAGO - The Mets began the day with an enormous disruption to the structure of their coaching staff when Brodie Van Wagenen and his front office made an executive decision to fire pitching coach Dave Eiland.
RELATED:
Joe Reedy / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Dodgers hold off Giants' rally in 9th for 9-8 victory — Madison Bumgarner and rode their hot-hitting lineup for the first eight innings of Thursday night's game against San Francisco. It was their clutch fielding that ended up helping them hold on for a 9-8 win.
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Reds Reportedly “Open To Adding A Controllable Hitter” — The Reds are “open to adding a controllable hitter” this summer, according to a recent report from MLB.com's Jon Morosi (Twitter link). — This bit of scuttlebutt seems mostly to reflect a few self-evident realities about the Cincinnati org's situation.
Discussion:
Red Reporter
Bob Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
The perfect player: Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis a time for celebration — ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols still has a home in the suburbs of St. Louis but hasn't set foot inside Busch Stadium since Dec. 8, 2011. — This is the home he helped build, leading the Cardinals …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and MLB Trade Rumors
Curly W Live:
A Letter from Mark D. Lerner: Nationals Announce Extension of Protective Field Netting — Dear Nationals Fans: — Today, we announced additional protective netting will be installed at Nationals Park during the All-Star break. Ultra Cross Knotless Dyneema protective netting will be installed …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News … and MLB Daily Dish
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Trevor Bauer, Baseball's Imperfect Evangelist — CLEVELAND — Trevor Bauer has thrown more pitches this season than any other major leaguer. Many pitches have not gone where he wanted, but this is the most fitting category for him to be leading. Bauer, the restless and relentless right-hander …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Rubby De La Rosa on verge of departing Diamondbacks for Japan — Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa, who has spent the first 2 1/2 months of the season in Triple-A Reno for the Diamondbacks, is on the verge of having his rights sold to the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan's top league.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings …:
Gordon, Sparkman lead Royals past Twins, Odorizzi 4-1 — Jake Odorizzi in the first inning and beat the — Minnesota Twins 4-1 Thursday night. — Glenn Sparkman (2-3) gave up just one run and five hits in a season high-tying seven innings. He walked one and struck out three.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town and Royals Review
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees To Activate Aaron Judge On Friday — The Yankees will activate star outfielder Aaron Judge off the injured list on Friday, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports (Twitter link). Judge has already joined the team in New York as the Yankees begin an important four-game series against Houston starting tonight.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Pinstripe Alley and MLB Baseball News …
