Top News:
Eddie Matz / ESPN:
Rays lose combined perfect game bid in 9th — BALTIMORE — The opener strategy is working out pretty well. — The Tampa Bay Rays, who popularized the pitching approach that has been spreading across baseball, nearly threw a combined perfect game using the strategy during a 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Schoenfield's take: Rays just miss perfection, but can they reach October? — There have been 13 combined no-hitters in MLB history, including the Los Angeles Angels' emotional tearjerker on Friday night. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays nearly threw the first combined perfect game in MLB history.
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays Tales: Possible Tampa Bay tactics as the trade deadline looms
Rays Tales: Possible Tampa Bay tactics as the trade deadline looms
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Robert Murray / The Athletic:
As bullpen woes mount, sources say Brewers have had discussions with Giants for reliever Will Smith — David Stearns has a history. He has turned the Brewers into an annual contender, due in part to the successful bullpen he's built. — In 2017 during his first full season as general manager …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors, Mercury News and Brew Crew Ball
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Zack Wheeler headed to injured list with right shoulder fatigue, source says — MINNEAPOLIS — Zack Wheeler is injured, a source said Monday, thrusting into question his status as the Mets' most likely trade chip this month. — Wheeler is dealing with right shoulder fatigue and was in New York on Monday for tests.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
ESPN:
2019 MLB trade deadline rumors, news, analysis and trade tracker — Will Madison Bumgarner, Trevor Bauer, Zack Wheeler and other topflight arms move in July deals? The MLB trade deadline is approaching and we've got you covered with all of the trade rumors, reaction and analysis you need …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and TalkNats.com
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Tigers Select Trevor Rosenthal — The Tigers announced that they've selected the contract of right-hander Trevor Rosenthal from Triple-A Toledo. The former Cardinals closer signed a minor league pact with Detroit after being released by the Nationals in late June. Detroit's 40-man roster is now full.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
ESPN:
'You're not even sure what you're seeing': Trade deadline, meet 2019's HR insanity — Buster Olney looks at the problems with analyzing players at the trade deadline and beyond when the ball is jumping like never before.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
CARLOS THE CLOSER — Carlos Martinez gained his second save in two games, and fifth in six tries, Sunday. Unlike most relievers, Martinez likes to employ five or six pitches and he used his two-seam and four-seam fastball, his cutter and his slider Sunday while throwing only nine pitches.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Robinson Cano and Jeff McNeil Power Mets Past Marlins — MIAMI — Robinson Cano homered for the second consecutive game to help lead the Mets to a 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. — Cano finished 4 for 5, giving him his first four-hit game since May 7 at San Diego.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes and MLB Baseball News …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards' Hall of Famer Gibson being treated for pancreatic cancer — The Cardinals' Hall of Fame family has taken a hit in the last few years with the death of Stan Musial in 2013, Red Schoendienst last year and the varied health struggles of Lou Brock. On Saturday, Hall of Fame righthander Bob Gibson …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout, MLB Baseball News … and KMOV-TV
RELATED:
Bernie Wilson / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Freeman, Soroka lift Braves to 4-1 win, sweep of Padres — Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and All-Star rookie — Mike Soroka struck out a career-high nine to win his 10th straight decision for the — San Diego Padres 4-1 Sunday for a three-game sweep.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Greg Beacham / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Rookie Thaiss' 8th-inning HR sends Angels past Mariners, 6-3 — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Rookie Matt Thaiss hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles — Angels completed a three-game sweep of the — Seattle Mariners with a 6-3 victory on Sunday.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes and Halos Heaven
George Miller / MLB Trade Rumors:
Athletics Acquire Homer Bailey — The Oakland Athletics have closed on a deal to acquire Kansas City's Homer Bailey, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported (via Twitter) that a trade was imminent. The Royals will receive minor-league infielder Kevin Merrell …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven, Royals Review, NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News …, Athletics Nation, South Side Sox, MLB Daily Dish and Lone Star Ball