Astros block Free Press from Justin Verlander's postgame media session  —  The Houston Astros blocked a Detroit Free Press reporter from attending Justin Verlander's postgame media session on Wednesday night, violating Baseball Writers' Association of America protocol and possibly the MLB collective bargaining agreement.

Pirates Release Francisco Cervelli  —  The Pirates announced today that they have released catcher Francisco Cervelli.  The 33-year-old had been attempting to work his way back from a concussion.  —  Today's move represents a disappointing end to to Cervelli's generally excellent tenure in Pittsburgh.

Sam Huff: Rangers 2019 Minor League Player Of The Year  —  If the race for the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Year were a presidential election, Sam Huff would be Ronald Reagan and everyone else would be Walter Mondale.  —  In other words, Huff would win in a landslide.

Giants vs. Cubs lineups: Jeff Samardzija on mound trying to avoid sweep  —  The Giants will be closing out their time in the Windy City on Thursday with a matinee game as they send former Cub  —  Jeff Samardzija to the hill.  —  Samardzija enters with a 9-9 record and sports a 3.54 ERA.

Robbie Ray nears return as Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation remains in flux  —  In a nearly empty Chase Field early Tuesday afternoon, loud grunts resonated from the home bullpen, followed by the pop of a catcher's mitt.  —  Robbie Ray was back on a mound.  As it turned out, he was feeling good.

2020 MLB International Prospects Preview  —  Clubs and players are both operating under the uncertainty of whether there will be an international draft in 2020.  —  If there's no draft next year, there are around 40 players who look like they could sign for bonuses of at least $1 million …

O's allow 258th HR of season, tying MLB record  —  The Baltimore Orioles are Major League Baseball's new home run kings.  Kind of.  —  On Wednesday night at Camden Yards, the Orioles surrendered their 258th homer of the season, tying the 2016 Cincinnati Reds for most round-trippers allowed by a team in a single campaign.

Rockies lose Gray for season with foot fracture  —  PHOENIX — The Colorado Rockies on Wednesday placed starting pitcher Jon Gray on the 60-day injured list because of a left foot fracture, ending his season.  —  The 27-year-old Gray is 11-8 with a 3.84 ERA this season.