Blue Jays swept away by Yankees to end dispiriting first half of season  —  NEW YORK — When the first half of the Blue Jays season was concluded with a record of 29-52 on Wednesday afternoon, it was difficult to look beyond the present.  —  Swept away by the AL East-leading Yankees in a Bronx matinee …

Illustrated voting guide to MLB All-Star Starters Election  —  Baseball has a new process for deciding who will start the All-Star Game on July 9 in Cleveland.  With the primary portion of the voting complete, we're down to three candidates per league at each position (with nine outfielders).

Why the Rays think their Montreal idea is so ‘amazing’  —  Owner Stuart Sternberg said this is all about keeping baseball in Tampa Bay and why it would work better.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays don't have all the answers, even when pressed late Tuesday afternoon how confident …

John Farrell goes lobstering  —  The former Red Sox skipper is happily pursuing his other passion, which he calls “a lifelong dream.”  —  SOMEWHERE IN IPSWICH BAY — His uniform is now orange-and-yellow-trimmed waders, blue rubber gloves, and Xtratuff fishing boots.

Jake Lamb's return raises lineup questions for Diamondbacks  —  Manager Torey Lovullo's job is about to get even more complicated.  Jake Lamb has been activated for the Diamondbacks' matinee game against the LA Dodgers on Wednesday.  With his return finalized, the question looms: Whom will Lamb be replacing in the lineup?

Mets' bats go cold as Wilmer Font gets lit up for five runs by the Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA - The Mets came out of the gates hungrier than when they ended the race.  New York fell 7-5 to the Phillies on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park for a second straight loss that slipped through the Mets' hands.

Royals Designate Brad Boxberger, Reinstate Eric Skoglund  —  The Royals have designated reliever Brad Boxberger for assignment and reinstated left-hander Eric Skoglund from the restricted list, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.  —  Boxberger was one of the Royals' most notable pickups during …

Sacre Bleu!  Nats to wear 1969 Expos throwbacks on July 6  —  The Nationals will throw it back to 1969 and recognize their Canadian heritage when they host the Kansas City Royals at Nationals Park on July 6.  For the first time, Washington will wear Montreal Expos throwback uniforms …

Craig Kimbrel no longer with Iowa Cubs, signs point to imminent Chicago Cubs' call-up  —  Craig Kimbrel should be closing for the Chicago Cubs very soon.  —  According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, Kimbrel is no longer with the Iowa Cubs.

Marlins Open To Trading Starters  —  The rebuilding Marlins reportedly aren't inclined to trade any of their controllable starting pitchers, but that isn't necessarily the case, according to president of baseball operations Michael Hill (via Joe Frisaro of MLB.com).