MLB's sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018  —  When Major League Baseball punished the Red Sox and Yankees in September 2017 for conduct related to electronic sign stealing, the league touched on the epicenter of a problem …

Brewers Extend Craig Counsell  —  The Brewers have announced a new contract with manager Craig Counsell, as first reported by Robert Murray (Twitter link).  It's said to take the skipper through the 2023 season.  —  Counsell, 49, was already under contract through the 2020 campaign under the extension he reached in the fall of 2016.

Sources: Arizona Diamondbacks nearing deal with reliever Hector Rondon  —  (Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)  —  The Diamondbacks added another power arm to their bullpen, agreeing to terms with reliever Hector Rondon on a one-year deal with a club option for 2021, sources said Wednesday.

Sources: Rangers, Robinson Chirinos inching closer to a reunion  —  Chirinos did OK, reaching the World Series with Houston, in his year-long separation from the team.  —  The Rangers appear willing to admit a mistake.  —  And to pay the price that comes along with such an admission.

Young girl hit by foul ball at Astros game still suffering, seven months later  —  The 2½-year-old girl who suffered a skull fracture when hit in the head by a foul ball at an Astros game May 29 continues to be treated for a brain injury that has left her at lasting risk for seizures …

MLB superstar trades, sign-stealing punishment and more: Passan answers 20 questions for 2020  —  A new year means endless new questions for Major League Baseball, a sport in the midst of its most engaging free-agency period in a half-decade, nearing the punishment phase of an ugly scandal …

Earlier weekend starts for Texas Rangers games another bonus of Globe Life Field roof  —  The roof at Globe Life Field will give baseball fans a break from the summer sun and soaring temperatures.  The players on the field will enjoy that, too.  —  It will also give the Texas Rangers …

Jeff McNeil, Mets get a lucky break for a change as infielder continues recovery from wrist injury  —  As far as wrists go, the injury that ended Jeff McNeil's season last year could very well be considered a lucky break.  —  Granted, it didn't seem like that at the time …

Sources: Anthony Davis declines Lakers' max extension offer  —  LOS ANGELES — The Lakers offered their star forward Anthony Davis a four-year, $146 million max extension on Tuesday, but they were informed that he will be bypassing an in-season extension in favor of entering unrestricted free agency in July …

Orioles reliever Miguel Castro says he was robbed at gunpoint in Dominican Republic  —  Miguel Castro, a 25-year-old reliever for the Baltimore Orioles, says he was robbed at gunpoint in his native Dominican Republic and is lucky to be alive.  —  In a post in Spanish to Instagram on Tuesday …

Nationals Sign Eric Thames  —  In a continuation of a recent signing bonanza, the Nationals announced a one-year contract with first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames.  The Apex Baseball client's contract contains a mutual option as well.  Thames is reportedly guaranteed $4MM …