Braves at Reds Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 31  —  Its Thursday, July 31 and the Braves (45-62) are in Cincinnati to begin a series against the Reds (57-52).  —  Carlos Carrasco is slated to take the mound for Atlanta against Andrew Abbott for Cincinnati.

Suárez to Mariners, Durán to Phillies as MLB trade market heats up before Thursday's deadline  —  The Seattle Mariners acquired slugger Eugenio Suárez, the Philadelphia Phillies dealt for hard-throwing reliever Jhoan Durán and identical twin relievers Tyler …

Sources: Phillies, Twins agree to trade for Jhoan Duran  —  The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a trade for Jhoan Duran, one of baseball's best relievers, sources told ESPN on Wednesday, and paid a high price to the Minnesota Twins to get it done.  —  According to sources …

Shohei Ohtani leaves the mound with cramping vs. Reds but hopes to make next start  —  CINCINNATI — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is hopeful that he will be able to make his next mound start after his outing was cut short by cramping in his right hip.

Reds acquire 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes in trade with Pirates  —  The Cincinnati Reds have acquired third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, it was announced Wednesday.

Mets bolster bullpen again, acquire Tyler Rogers from Giants for José Buttó, two others  —  NEW YORK — The busy New York Mets made another trade Wednesday to strengthen their injury-depleted bullpen, acquiring right-hander Tyler Rogers from the fading San Francisco Giants for three players.

Cubs add depth to rotation by acquiring Michael Soroka from Nationals  —  The Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals, adding a veteran starter as they pursue an NL Central title.  —  Washington received two minor leaguers: infielder Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin.

ESPN parts ways with Shannon Sharpe following settlement of rape lawsuit: Sources  —  ESPN has cut ties with NFL Hall of Famer and media analyst Shannon Sharpe less than two weeks after he settled a lawsuit in which his ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic on Wednesday.

Braves trade Rafael Montero to Tigers for Jim Jarvis  —  Montero heads back to the American League as the Braves pick up some organizational depth.  —  Earlier on Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves made a deal with the Rockies to bring Tyler Kinley to Atlanta's bullpen.