Some players say Los Angeles Angels failing in treatment at minor league level, as GM vows to address it  —  While consolidating the minor leagues during the 2020 season, Major League Baseball claimed that reducing and realigning its developmental leagues would increase player salaries at all levels …

The Padres made a push for Nelson Cruz; Boras on Max Scherzer's no-trade clause; more notes  —  Two Triple-A right-handers who ranked among the better prospects in the Rays' pitching-rich system might sound like a steep price for a rental hitter, even one as gifted as Nelson Cruz.

2021 MLB trade deadline tracker, rumors, news, analysis and latest buzz  —  The 2021 MLB trade deadline is approaching fast, with front offices weighing their biggest needs before 4 p.m. ET on July 30 arrives.  —  Will the Chicago Cubs deal away some of their best-known players …

Cole Popovich out on Patriots coaching staff  —  Cole Popovich, who shared offensive line coaching duties with Carmen Bricillo the last season, will not be coaching with the Patriots this season, according to a league source.  —  This season Bricillo will coach the offensive line alone.

Execs expecting a ‘frenzy’ at the Deadline  —  Every year, as the calendar approaches the final days of July, teams around the Majors begin to feel the heat with regards to the Trade Deadline.  —  We're a little more than a week away, so we spoke with a half-dozen front-office executives …

Exclusive: Texas, Oklahoma reach out to SEC about joining conference  —  HOOVER, Ala. — A decade after major conference realignment shook up college football, big changes might again be on the horizon.  —  Texas and Oklahoma of the Big 12 have reached out to the Southeastern Conference …

Cleveland Indians have picked a new name, but aren't quite ready to announce it  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indians, according to sources, have settled on a new name for the franchise.  —  What that name is and when it will be announced has yet to be determined, but progress is being made on both fronts.

Injured Royals starter Danny Duffy piques Giants' interest, sources say  —  LOS ANGELES — With baseball's trade deadline a week from Friday, the Giants might have one unusual option: trading for a player who is currently on the injured list.  —  The team has expressed interest …

Knicks' Reggie Bullock drawing interest from Celtics, 76ers  —  In coach Tom Thibodeau's words, the Knicks are looking at July 29's draft for “wings and shooters.”  —  They have one in their midst who performed admirably during their 41-31 season.  But they could lose him to a division rival …

Marcus Stroman and Jeurys Familia combine for 1-hit shutout against Reds  —  CINCINNATI — The Mets finally got a taste of what it's like to have dominant performances from both sides of the ball.  —  Marcus Stroman held Cincinnati to one hit over eight shutout innings and the offense crushed three home runs …