The Jon Lester Game (7/31/2016)

On a night that was almost set up for failure before it even started, The Cubs dug themselves in a hole that raged a lot of hate on Cubs twitter. To take the mound for the home team on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, was Brain Matusz. The Chicago Cubs recently optioned Justin Grimm to AAA this past week to make room for Matusz on the roster. Which in reality, this was a game for him to get a spot start to try and increase his trade value.

Coming into this game, Matusz had to face King Felix Hernadez & the Seattle Mariners. This was the Mariners first time playing on SNB since 2004.

Well, after command issues and the lack of being able to place pitches, the Mariners led the Cubs 6-0 after the 3rd inning. After 3 innings, the Cubs bullpen took over and shut out SEA. CJ Edwards had a heck of a performance. He faced 6 batters & struck out 5. That kid is going to be very good in years to come. The Cubs used 22 players in this game alone. They got everyone involved, except Hendricks/Arrieta/Lackey.  Travis Wood even came into the game to pinch hit, pitch, & go out to play LF. He didn't just play, he made a web gem running grab which forced him to bang against the brick wall in the outfield. It helped get the crowd back into it.

Going into the 9th inning, The Cubs were down 6-3. Fans were leaving their seats and counting this team out. Well thanks to RBI's by Russell & Contreras and a wild pitch to bring the tying run across the plate, the Cubs were off to extras in a game that felt over after the first 3 innings. The come back was just insane. 6-6.

In the bottom of the 12th, score still tied 6-6, Jason Heyward led the team off with a double which was just a few feet short of being a walk off home run. After having such a slump season, that must have felt great. Contreras then flew out to the CF but with J-Hey tagging up for 3rd, It was a great opportunity for the unexpected to happen. Joe Maddon pinch hits Jon Lester, who just got his first career hit last year. Lester squared up on a fast ball and put a perfect bunt which allowed Heyward to score from 3rd. Yep, Jon Lester hit a walk off. I never thought I would have to say that in my life. Wrigley Field was nuts and so were the players.

In a game that was headed in a downward direction from the start, to coming back strong & finishing up with the win; It almost feels like the turning point for the Cubs in the 2016 season. Even with being the best team in baseball.

This game belongs to Joe Maddon and the whole team. The way Travis Wood came to pinch hit, to play the field, and then to pitch all in that sequence, was absolutely crazy. The hustle by Willson Contreras. Having Jon Lester pinch hit and hit the game winner on a sacrifice bunt after being down by 6 in the third inning is just how this Cubs team is resembled. Never count them out & expect the unexpected.

Man, was that fun to watch & quiet frankly, my favorite game so far in the 2016 season along with the Javy Baez Mothers Day walk off HR. A lot of baseball yet to be played & a lot more memories to be made, Cubs fans. Enjoy this one.

Mariners and Orioles Swap Miley for Miranda

(Photo: David Banks, AP)

The Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles agreed to a trade that would send starting pitcher Wade Miley to the Orioles in exchange for minor league prospect Ariel Miranda.

The 29-year old Miley spent his first four years in the league with the Diamondbacks, accumulating a 38-35 record and 4.07 ERA. He spent 2015 with the Boston Red Sox, going 11-11 with a 4.46 ERA. He is 7-8 this season with the Mariners, and a career-high 4.98 ERA. Despite his diminishing effectiveness, he adds a veteran left-handed presence to the end of Baltimore's rotation, something they had been lacking to this point.

Ariel Miranda played professionally for seven years Cuba before Baltimore brought him to the U.S. In his two years in Baltimore's minor league system, the 27-year old lefty is 10-10 with a 3.80 ERA.

Yankees Acquire Clippard From Diamondbacks

The New York Yankees selected Tyler Clippard in the ninth round of the 2003 draft.

After going to the Washington Nationals in 2008 and short stops with the Mets, Athletics and Diamondbacks, the Yankees have brought Clippard back, agreeing on a trade with Arizona on Sunday.

In exchange for Clippard, the Diamondbacks receive minor league starter Vicente Campos. In 20 starts through multiple minor league levels, the right-hander is 9-3 with a 3.20 ERA this year. 

Clippard is 2-3 with a 4.30 ERA in 37 2/3 innings this year. Clippard fills the bullpen hole created when the Yankees traded Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians. 

Jonathan Lucroy Vetoes Trade to Cleveland

The Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians had agreed on a trade that would send catcher Jonathan Lucroy to the Indians in exchange for a handful of prospects. Lucroy had named Cleveland as one of the eight teams on his no-trade list, but was willing to waive it if circumstances met his desires. 

They didn't. 

Lucroy wanted Cleveland to void the last year on his contract, a team option, for 2017, so he could become a free agent after this season. The Indians were unwilling to do so. Cleveland was also not willing to promise that Lucroy would be the starting catcher for them next year. 

The New York Mets and Texas Rangers have also been in talks with the Brewers about acquiring Lucroy. Cleveland has been in the market for another catcher since Yan Gomes was put on the disabled list on July 18 and is expected to miss four to eight weeks for the AL Central-leading Indians. 

The trade deadline is on Monday, August 1, at 4 pm ET. 

Twins To Call Up Jose Berrios

(photo credit: twincities.com)

The Minnesota Twins will call up their top prospect, pitcher Jose Berrios. He will join the team in Cleveland when they take on the Indians. He is expected to start Monday's game. 

Berrios is 10-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 16 games of triple-A play this season. He played with the Twins earlier this season, but after recording a 10.20 ERA in just four starts, the team designated him back to Triple-A Rochester. 

Indians Acquire Closer Andrew Miller From Yankees

(photo credit: m.mlb.com)

The Cleveland Indians have acquired closer Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees. The Indians are Miller's sixth team since 2006. 

He's pitched for the Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles before joining the Yankees in 2015.

Miller recorded a 2.04 ERA and 100 strikeouts in his first season with the Yankees. Through 2016, he has dropped his numbers, recording a 1.49 ERA and 72 strikeouts. In return for Miller, the Yankees got top prospects Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield.

A's Place Rich Hill on 15-Day DL

(Photo: Janie McCauley, AP)

The Oakland A's have placed left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill on the disabled list, retroactive to July 20. Hill came out of his start on July 17 after just five pitches due to the presence of a blister on the middle finger of his left hand.

Hill commented on improvement, but mentioned the finger feeling "hot" after throwing a bullpen session on Friday.

The 36-year old Hill is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA this season. Sonny Gray will fill Hill's spot in the rotation on Sunday as the A's face the Cleveland Indians.

Mets Place Jose Reyes on 15-Day DL

(Photo: Wilfredo Lee, AP)

Jose Reyes finds himself on the disabled list for the eleventh time in his career, as the New York Mets were forced to add him to the 15-day disabled list due to a strained oblique muscle.

Reyes began the 2016 season with the Colorado Rockies, but sat out the first three months of the season due to a suspension regarding domestic violence. Once his suspension was over, the Rockies released him. The Mets signed him on June 25 and he was an everyday player for them from July 5 on. Reyes was hitting just .239 (with an OBP of .278) this year, though he had gone 6-for-20 in his last four games to raise his average up from .217.

Reyes has played every game at third base and hitting in the leadoff spot. He hasn't played since Tuesday, with time at third split between Wilmer Flores, Greg Garcia, and Jedd Gyorko. With an open roster spot, the Mets signed outfielder Justin Ruggiano, who appeared in the lineup against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

Padres Trade Matt Kemp to Braves

(photo credit: eastvillagetimes.com)

The San Diego Padres have traded Matt Kemp to the Atlanta Braves. The Padres got Hector Olivera in the trade deal. 

Kemp has hit 23 home runs and recorded 69 RBIs over the course of the season. His .285 on-base percentage is the worst of his career. Kemp signed an eight-year, $160 million deal back in 2012. 

Olivera signed a six-year, $62.5 million deal with the Braves last year after he joined the team from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade. He is currently serving an 82 game suspension after being arrested for a domestic dispute. He will be eligible to return on Monday. 

Royals Make Move Before Trade Deadline

Royals acquire OF Billy Burns from the Oakland Athletics for Royals OF Brett Eibner. This is a good trade for both teams as Oakland gets some power in Brett Eibner and the Royals get some more speed in Burns. Billy Burns is a good defensive out fielder who can play anywhere in the out field. He will play mainly right field for the Royals and Center every once in a while to give Lorenzo Cain who is coming off the 15-day DL after a hamstring injury a day off. This year Billy is hitting .234, 0 home runs but has 12 RBI's, a OPS of .573 and a total number of 14 stolen bases, which is tied for the most on the Royals along with Jarrod Dyson and Alcides Escobar. Billy is not in the lineup today for the Royals but i'm assuming he will be in the lineup sometime in the next couple days. #ForeverRoyal #RoyalNoah

Hunter Pence Activated Off Of DL

(photo credit: foxsports.com)

San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence has been activated from the 15-day disabled list.

He is expected to join the team on Saturday. He has been out for the past two months with a hamstring injury. 

He tore his right hamstring on June 1 and had surgery the following week. He hit seven home runs and 36 RBIs before the injury. 

Pirates Trade Mark Melancon to Nationals

(photo credit: rantsports.com)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded closer Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals.  Melancon has 30 saves this season with a 1.51 ERA. 

He has recorded 151 saves over his eight seasons with the Pirates, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. 

He set a career high last season with 51 saves. That would be the lead league for the season. The Nationals sent reliever Felipe Rivero and prospect Taylor Hearn. 

Five Trade Deadline Moves That Need to Happen

(photo credit: cbssports.com)

5. Jay Bruce

The Reds' lefthanded outfielder leads the National League with 80 RBIs, in addition to 25 home runs in an All-Star season seeing marked improvement from the last two seasons. Acquiring him has the possibility to not be just a one-year rental either; his contract has a team option for $13 million next season. That amount is favorable compared to other productive outfielders like Carlos Gonzalez ($17 million next season), Matt Holliday ($17 million), Matt Kemp ($21 million), and Yoenis Cespedes ($27.5 million). The Dodgers have been in talks for a three-team trade involving Bruce. The Mariners, Mets and Rays have all also been in contact regarding Bruce.

(photo credit: zimbio.com)

4. Yasiel Puig

Speaking of the Dodgers, they are actively pursuing trades that could help them unload their explosive outfielder. While his game features flash and excitement in the outfield and on the basepaths, the production at the plate that propelled Puig to superstar status at the start of his L.A. career has recently dwindled to underwhelming depths. In 79 games this season, Puig is hitting .255, has an OBP of .316, and is slugging just .376. His 7 home runs and 32 RBIs are woeful totals for a corner outfielder with his talent and athletic ability. A change of scenery to a more hitter-friendly park could be the spark that reignites him.

(photo credit: foxsports.com)

3. Jonathan Lucroy

The Brewers' All-Star catcher has multiple suitors seeking his stellar production for an everyday player behind the plate. He leads all National League catchers in games played, and is tied with San Francisco's Buster Posey in at-bats. Among NL catchers with at least 200 at-bats, he is third in batting average (.300), and second in OBP (.360) and slugging percentage (.484). His 13 home runs rank third, and his 50 runs batted in and 48 runs are both second-most. The Indians, Rangers and Mets are all showing strong interest in acquiring Lucroy, who has the ability to block teams he could be traded to. On that list are the Indians (which could just provide more leverage for him regarding contract talks), Tigers, Angels, Twins, A's, Padres, Mariners and Nationals.

(photo credit: sportslogos.com)

2. Rangers Starting Pitcher

Despite having the best record in the American League, the Rangers have the fourth-worst staff ERA (4.40) and WHIP (1.39), and fifth-worst opponents' batting average (.264). To keep pace with some of the other top teams in the league (Cleveland, Houston, Toronto), Texas will have to bolster their rotation. The current absences of Colby Lewis and Derek Holland (disabled list) combined with earlier time missed (Yu Darvish) has limited the capabilities of the Rangers' starting pitching. They are looking closely at Chris Sale of the White Sox (14-4, 3.17 ERA, .218 opponents' BA) and Chris Archer of the Tampa Bay Rays (career 3.54 ERA, leads the league in strikeouts while averaging more than 10 per 9 innings).

(photo credit: underconsideration.com)

1. Nationals Bullpen

While the clubhouse seems to have recovered from last year's choking incident involving league-MVP Bryce Harper, Jonathan Papelbon's production is not helping his case for sticking around much longer. He is allowing more baserunners (9.6 hits per 9 innings pitched, 3.6 walks, 1.469 WHIP) and runs scored (4.41 ERA) than he has for the majority of his career. The Nationals missed out on the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes, so they will be looking to add somebody like Arodys Vizcaino of the Braves or Fernando Abad of the Twins to fill that role.

Lorenzo Cain to Return to Royals Lineup Friday

(photo credit: foxsports.com)

Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain will return to the lineup Friday when the team takes on the Texas Rangers. He has been out since June 29 with a hamstring injury.

He went 3-for-8 in two rehab games. Before the injury, Cain hit eight home runs and 39 RBIs. SB Nation reports that Cain could play right field to rest his legs. 

Marlins acquire Cashner, Rea from Padres in 7-player deal

(Photo: Chris Carlson, AP)

The Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres have agreed on a trade that will send Andrew Cashner, Colin Rea, and Tayron Guerrero to the Marlins. The Padres will receive Jarred Cosart, Carter Capps, Josh Naylor (the only non-pitcher involved in the trade) and Luis Castillo. The trade has been agreed in principle and will be confirmed once a review of medicals is complete.

This deal marks the second time the Marlins and Padres have exchanged players. On June 30, Miami received reliever Fernando Rodney in exchange for Chris Paddack, a Single-A pitching prospect. This is the second rebuilding move the Padres have made this week, after sending Melvin Upton Jr. to the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Cashner is 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA for the Padres this year, following a pedestrian year last season when he finished 6-16 with a 4.34 ERA. The 29-year old Texan was drafted by the Cubs in 2008 out of Texas Christian University. He made his Major League debut in 2010, and only played in 60 games in two seasons due to a long stint on the disabled list in 2011. In January 2012, Cashner was involved in the trade that sent Anthony Rizzo to Chicago.

The 26-year old Rea was drafted in 2011 out of Indiana State University. Since his debut last season, he has a 7-7 record in 24 starts (25 appearances) with a 4.81 ERA. Guerrero made one appearance with San Diego this year, and has spent most of his time with AA San Antonio and AAA El Paso.

Cosart is a 26-year old righty in his fourth year in the league, joining his third team. He is 16-18 with a 3.69 ERA with Miami and Houston. The 25-year old Capps had 118 appearances in his first four years with Seattle and Miami before missing the entire 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Castillo is a 23-year old right hander who has 149 appearances (34 starts) in five rookie- and A-ball seasons. Naylor is a 19-year old, left-handed first baseman from Ontario, Canada.

Miami (55-47) is in second place in the NL East behind the Washington Nationals, and is tied with St. Louis for the second wild card spot, two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Marlins are trying to bolster their roster for a strong playoff push. San Diego sits 14 games under .500 and looks to build for the future with their recent moves.

The Kris Bryant Effect

3 summers ago, Kris Bryant was just hanging out at Wrigley Field after signing with The Chicago Cubs after being the #2 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. Back then, you could look in the stands and see green empty seats all over. Now? You can't find an empty seat. Wrigley Field is rocking each and every single day because of our third base slugger, Kris Bryant, who became an up and coming rookie phenom. The hype was unbelievable.

Visiting Wrigley Field for the 1st time after being drafted

Playing AA & AAA ball in 2014, Bryant combined to hit 43 home runs in that season alone. That turned a lot of heads on the North Side. All of a sudden, we don't just have some prospect anymore, We have a guy who could potentially be an MLB All Star. After getting the call up in April of 2015, with having one of the best springs any young player could have, it's all history from there.

Kris Bryant does have the opportunity to become one of, if not the greatest Cub of all time. He has unreal power, he has cut his strike out rate down immensely in one season, his defense has become a strength, his great base running abilities, and on top of all that his versatility is what strikes people most. Joe Maddon has used Bryant all over this season; LF, RF, 3B, & 1B. With winning the 2015 Rookie Of The Year award and becoming a 2 time All-Star, his expectations were high coming into this season and he's proved to people he's an MVP candidate.

Lets just throw out some statistics out there for you guys. KB is the 30th player of all time to total 50+ HR's in first two seasons (First Cub), First player to hit 3 HR & 2 doubles in the same game, and he has a WAR of 5.23 (Leads the NL). He is on a 45-50 HR pace in his second big leauge season at just 24.

Bryzzo has become a big deal in Chicago. Bryant & Rizzo combined have been stealing girl's hearts and smashing baseballs on the North Side. They mean more than anything to this young fun 2016 Cubs team. Either hitting 2 & 3 or 3 & 4,  they are one of the best combinations in baseball. Posting 50 HR's & 143 RBI's in 101 games this season, the power starts with them and so does the spark plug.

4/17/15; Kris Bryant's Debut

We've seen a lot of players come through the Cubs in the past 5 years. Just think, we could be stuck with, who was once an All Star, Brian LaHair at 1B & Ian Stewart at 3B. I don't think too many Cub's fans would be to fond of that. Sit back and enjoy watching Kris Bryant make his marks at Wrigley Field and continue to make history in red & blue in years to come. We have a one of a kind player who is very humble and goingto be around for a very long time in Chicago. It was well worth the wait.

Royals Win Series Finale Against Halos

ROYALS WIN 7-5 over the Los Angeles Angels and win the final game of the series. The Royals haven't played well this home stand but they ended it on a high note before heading on the road. Danny Duffy pitched 6 complete innings giving up 3 runs on 7 hits, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. The offense scored 7 runs on 11 hits and 4 of those runs came on 2 seperate throwing errors by Angels pitchers scoring 2 runs on each of them. The Royals now go on the road to start a 8 game, 2 series road trip starting with a 4 game series against the Texas Rangers. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for Texas is Cole Hamels and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:05 at Globe Life Park in Arlington. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Blue Jays Acquire Melvin Upton Jr. From Padres

(Melvin Upton Jr., photo credit: sportingnews.com)

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres on Tuesday in exchange for minor league pitcher Hansel Rodriguez.

Upton's contract extends through the 2017 season. He is making $15.45 million this year and $16.45 million next year. The Blue Jays will pay only $5 million of what is still owed to him over that span.

After playing just 87 games in his first season with San Diego last year, he has played in 92 of their 100 games this season. He is hitting .256 with 16 home runs, 45 RBIs, 46 runs, and a team-leading 20 stolen bases. He joins a Toronto team that ranks top-6 in the Majors in home runs, runs scored, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS despite being just 16th in batting average.

The Toronto outfield already boasts Michael Saunders, Kevin Pillar and Jose Bautista, so Upton will have to battle for playing time. Upton's stolen base total is only 12 less than the entire Blue Jays' roster, so he may be able to add an element that Toronto has been lacking to this point.

The right-handed Dominican Republic-native Rodriguez was 16 years old when Toronto signed him in 2014. He is in his third season of rookie ball, though is still two years younger than the average rookie ball player. He is 2-1 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.113 WHIP through the first 30 games this season with the Bluefield Blue Jays in the Appalachian League.

Cubs Acquire Closer Aroldis Chapman

(photo credit: usatoday.com)

The Chicago Cubs have acquired closer Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees. The Yankees will get prospect Gleyber Torres, pitcher Adam Warren and two other prospects in return. 

The Yankees acquired Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds back on Dec. 28. He recorded a 2.01 ERA and 44 strikeouts over his time with the Bronx Bombers. He was suspended the first 30 games of the season for violating the league's domestic abuse policy.

The Washington Nationals were also interested in Chapman, but the cost to get him for the final two months was too high for them, according to SB Nation. Since 2012, Chapman has led all relievers in strikeouts with 378. He also recorded a 1.90 ERA from 2012-2015. 

Rockies Call Up Prospect David Dahl

(photo credit: m.mlb.com)

The Colorado Rockies will call up their top prospect, outfielder David Dahl on Monday. Dahl was drafted by the Rockies in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He hit six home runs, six doubles and 16 RBIs during his time with Triple-A Albuquerque. 

To make room for him, the team designated Brandon Barnes. Dahl will most likely play in left field for the time being. Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez are the Rockies' center fielders, Dahl's original position.  

Astros Call Up Alex Bregman

(photo credit: inningseaters.sportsblog.com)

The Houston Astros are calling up prospect infield prospect Alex Bregman. MLB Pipeline ranks Bregman as the #18 player overall. He hit 14 home runs and 46 RBIs while playing for Double-A Corpus Christi (TX). He also hit six home runs and 15 RBIs with Triple-A Fresno.

The Astros will have Bregman play multiple positions, including third base and left field. He may also play infielder. 

Marlins Place Wei-Yin Chen on DL

(photo credit: m.mlb.com)

Miami Marlins pitcher Wei-Yin Chen has been placed on the DL with tenderness in his elbow. He was scheduled to pitch on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Jarred Cosart will start in his place. 

Miami signed Chen to a five year deal worth $80 million back in January. He has recorded a 5-4 record with a 4.99 ERA this season. In his last start last Wednesday, also against the Phillies, he gave up 11 hits and four runs in just 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Cosart, who is being called up from Triple-A New Orleans, hasn't started in the majors since April. He is 0-1 with a 7.98 ERA for the Marlins this season.

Chris Sale Suspended Five Games

(photo credit: foxsports.com)

Chris Sale has been suspended for five games by the team for the clubhouse incident that got him sent home Saturday night. 

Sale was scratched from last night's start after he cut up the team's throwback uniforms throwback uniforms with a knife. He refused to wear the uniform because he felt it was uncomfortable. The suspension began yesterday and will run through Wednesday. 

Chris Sale Scratched from Start Saturday

(photo credit: jetsports.com)

Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale was a scratched from his start tonight due to what was first called an illness. The team issued a statement that he was scratched because of a clubhouse incident.

The incident was that Sale didn't want to wear a throwback jersey, so he cut all of the throwback jerseys up before the game. A source told FOX Sports that Sale didn't want to wear them because he felt they were uncomfortable. 

Rumors are going around that Sale is on the trade block. MLB Network says they are in trade talks with one team. 

Royals Take Series Opener Over Rangers

ROYALS WIN 3-1 over the Texas Rangers and win game 1 of the 3 game series. It seemed like all parts of the team were clicking tonight as the offense scored 3 runs on 8 hits, the defense made some good plays tonight and the pitching staff pitched good as Danny Duffy threw 6.2 innings giving up just 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 of the series tomorrow for the Rangers is Cole Hamels and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Mariners' Top Draft Pick Suffers Knee Injury

Kyle Lewis tore the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial and lateral meniscus in his right knee on a play at the plate on Tuesday.

Lewis was the Seattle Mariners' first-round draft pick in the 2016 draft, 11th overall. After a successful high school career in Snellville, Georgia, Lewis spent two years at Mercer University, refining his skills. He then moved on to the Cape Cod League where he tore through opposing pitchers, catching the eye of scouts that rated him as a first-rounder. In 30 games of A-ball with the Everett AquaSox he was hitting .299, had an OBP of .385, and a slugging percentage of .530. In 117 at-bats he totaled 8 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs, 26 runs and 26 runs batted in.

The injury occurred as he approached home plate and braced for a collision with the opposing team's catcher. He hyperextended his knee just before the collision, and stayed on the ground for several minutes afterwards. This injury commonly takes 10-12 months to return from, but varies case to case.

Red Sox Place RP Uehara on 15-DL for Pectoral Strain

(Koji Uehara, photo credit: cbssports.com)

The Boston Red Sox placed pitcher Koji Uehara on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained pectoral muscle, the team announced on Wednesday.

The 41-year old reliever threw seven pitches in Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants before leaving the game, clutching his right arm. He had an MRI that confirmed the strain in his right pectoral muscle. "To what extent, we're still getting our arms around that," manager John Farrell commented. "This is a unique injury for a pitcher, so the best thing I can tell you is the MRI does confirm the strain.

Uehara came to the Major Leagues from Japan in 2009, at 34 years old. He first played with the Baltimore Orioles, then Texas Rangers, and is in his fourth season with the Red Sox. In his first three seasons with the club, he earned 21, 26, and 25 saves, respectively. So far this season, Uehara has a 2-3 record, with 6 saves and a 4.50 ERA. At the moment there is no timeline for his return.

Hunter Harvey to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

(photo credit: birdswatcher.com)

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Hunter Harvey will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. The doctor that will do the procedure is Dr. Donald D'Alessandro. 

Harvey left the game for Single-A Aberdeen on Saturday after throwing just 23 pitches. The cause was determined to be pain in his right flexor mass, a muscle in his elbow.

He was picked in the 22nd round of the 2013 MLB Draft. After surgery that removed a sports hernia back in May, however, he began pitching in the New York-Penn League.  

Mariners Trade Mike Montgomery Traded to Cubs

(photo credit: nwsportsbeat.com)

The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have required prospects San Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn. They also got pitcher Jordan Pries.

Montgomery started just two games in 2016 for the Mariners. He went 3-4 in 32 games, however, recording a 3.24 ERA. Vogelbach hit .318 in 89 games with 16 home runs, 18 doubles and 64 RBIs while playing Triple-A baseball.

Blackburn was the 52nd overall pick of the 2012 MLB Draft. He went 6-4 with a 3.17 ERA while playing Double-A. 

Mariners Activate Felix Hernandez Off Of DL

(photo credit: panamericanworld.com)

The Seattle Mariners have activated pitcher Felix Hernandez off of the DL. He has been out since late May with a right calf injury. 

He made a Triple-A start on Friday. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and just one run. He is expected to start his first MLB game since May 27 on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. 

Clayton Kershaw Out Indefinitely

(photo credit: thechiefly.com)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have shut down pitcher Clayton Kershaw indefinitely due to back pain, according to manager Dave Roberts. Kershaw has been out since June 26, when he felt pain in his lower back after pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Dodgers placed him on the 15-day DL on June 30. Kershaw pitched in a simulated game on Saturday, but then felt pain again on Sunday. There is no timetable for when he will return, either. 

Jose Bautista to Begin Rehab Assignment Wednesday

(photo credit: deadspin.com)

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista will begin his rehab assignment on Wednesday. He could rejoin the team as early as Monday. He has been out since June 16.

He injured his toe crashing into the wall against the Philadelphia Phillies. He hit 12 home runs with 41 RBIs on the season before injuring his toe. 

He will play 3-5 innings with the Buffalo Bison on Wednesday and three games this weekend, according to the team. 

Royals Come From Behind To Take Game From Tribe

ROYALS WIN 7-3 over the Cleveland Indians and win game 1 of the 3 game series. Edinson Volquez pitched 7 complete innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, 3 walks and 6 strikeouts. Cleveland was on top most of the game until the Royals scored all 7 of their runs in the bottom of the 8th inning topped off with a grand slam by Jarrod Dyson. Yes you read that right, Jarrod Dyson hits his first career grand slam to put the Royals up by 5 runs going into the 9th inning. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for the Tribe is Danny Salazar and Brian Flynn will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Indians Catcher Yan Gomes to Miss 4-8 Weeks With Right Shoulder Injury

(photo credit: clevelandsports360.com)

Cleveland Indians Yan Gomes will miss the next four to eight weeks with a right shoulder injury. The injury caused him to exit the team's game against the Minnesota Twins game on Sunday. 

He suffered the injury while running to first base. He fell and landed on his right shoulder. He went 1-2 for the game before suffering the injury.

He had to be carted off the field. After the game, Gomes said that he felt as if he separated the shoulder. He has just one hit since June 29. 

Twins Fire GM Terry Ryan

(photo credit: twincities.com)

The Minnesota Twins have fired general manager Terry Ryan. The Twins currently have the worst record in the American League at 33-58.

They are also 21 games out of first place in the AL Central. The 33-58 record is not just the worst record in the AL, but also the second worst record in the MLB - the Atlanta Braves have a 32-60 record. 

Assistant general manager Rob Anthony has been named the interim GM. Twins owner Jim Pholad described the decision to fire Ryan as "difficult, painful and not obvious."

MLB Executives Want Arguing to End

(photo credit: chron.com)

Major League Baseball has told team managers and general managers to stop arguing the calls made by umpires. MLB executive Joe Torre sent a memo to teams, saying that "this highly inappropriate conduct is detrimental to the game and must stop immediately.

The Associated Press is also reporting the memo calls out the managers that rely on instant replay and review. Managers were ejected from games 72 times in 2015. While the number has decreased in 2016 - managers have been ejected just 37 times so far - that's a number MLB executives want to hit 0. 

Blue Jays Sign Justin Smoak to Two-Year Extension

(photo credit: m.mlb.com)

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed first baseman Justin Smoak to a two-year extension. He will earn $4.125 million each of the next two season, according to MLB.com. He was set to be a free agent after the season.

There is also a club option for $6 million in 2019. With the deal, fans were wondering if that meant the Blue Jays were going to get rid of Edwin Encarnacion. General manager Ross Atkins said that is not the case.

Smoak has recorded a .234 BA. He also has hit nine home runs and has recorded 23 RBIs. 

Upton Brothers Placed on Bereavement List

(Justin and Melvin Upton, photo credit: zimbio.com)

Justin Upton of the Detroit Tigers and Melvin Upton of the San Diego Padres were each placed on the bereavement list on Thursday and Friday, respectively, by their ball clubs.

According to MLB.com, "The bereavement list allows players to leave the team to attend to a death or serious illness in the family. By rule, a player placed on the bereavement list must stay there for at least three days but for no more than seven." Justin Upton is eligible to return Sunday, while Melvin Upton will be eligible on Monday.

Justin is hitting just .235 (his lowest batting average since his rookie year) with 9 home runs and 38 RBIs this season. Melvin is hitting .262 with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs.

Royals Win First Game Of The Second Half

ROYALS WIN 8-4 over the Detroit Tigers and win game 2 of the 3 game series. The Royals win their first game after the all star break as the offense exploded and got to the Tiger starter early. The Royals scored 4 runs in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd inning to force the Tigers to go to their bullpen after just 1.2 innings. Royals pitcher Danny Duffy gave up 4 runs on 6 hits, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts. Wade Davis came off of the DL today and pitched a scoreless 9th inning. Pitching the rubber match of the series tomorrow for the Tigers is Michael Fulmer and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 12:10 at Comerica Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Marlins Sign First Round Pick Braxton Garrett

(Braxton Garrett, photo credit: dynamicbaseball,org)

The Miami Marlins have signed their first round pick Braxton Garrett. The deal is worth $4,145,900, the Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins drafted Garrett with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Florence High School in Alabama. He went 6-2 as a starter last season, recording a 0.56 ERA. He also only struck out 131 batters.

President of baseball operations Michael Hill said that Garrett will report to the Gulf Coast League team's affiliate in Jupiter, FL.

Red Sox Sign Top Draft Pick LHP Jason Groome

(Jason Groome, photo credit: maxpreps.com)

The Boston Red Sox reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Jason Groome Friday afternoon. The 6'6", 220-pound 17-year old was the 12th overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft. Considered one of the top prospects going into the draft, Groome fell as a result of concerns regarding his signability, and some off-field issues. The $3.65 million contract was confirmed just hours before the draft signing deadline.

A native of New Jersey, Groome spent his first two years in high school at Barnegat High School before transferring to the famed IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his junior year. He returned to New Jersey this year and managed a 19-strikeout no-hitter on April 11. According to scouts, Groome boasts a mid-90s fastball and a nasty curveball. Director of amateur scouting Mike Rikard had high praise and a clear plan for Groome moving forward. "Yeah, we're extremely excited to have Jason with us for a number of reasons," Rikard said. "Obviously, with an elite talent like Jay, we're going to be extremely conservative right out of the gate. As you can probably tell just from hearing the tone of his voice, he's champing at the bit to get going, and we want to get him out there and get his feet under him, get him on our throwing program and certainly get him headed in the right direction as soon as possible."

Fittingly, Groome grew up as a Red Sox fan, influenced by his father and picking a quality player to idolize: "Me and my father both have the same type of favorite player. He liked Pedro Martinez. Every time I would be watching baseball with him, the Red Sox would be playing the Yankees and Pedro would be on the mound. I grew a liking to Pedro's style and how he played and the Red Sox, how they played as a whole."

Groome dropped in the draft due to some perceived maturity issues by scouts. Groome didn't let it get him too down, though. "It's kind of tough when people are saying stuff like that... but there's nothing you can do about it. If you know it's not true, then it's not true. You just go about your day and keep playing baseball."

The Red Sox will start Groome in the rookie league, but expect him to move up to A-ball before the season ends.

Astros Sign Cuban Prospect Yulieski Gourriel

(photo credit: si.com)

The Houston Astros have signed Cuban free agent Yulieski Gourriel. The deal is for five years and is worth $47 million. Gourriel was declared a free agent by Major League Baseball back in June.

Gourriel was a big part of Cuban baseball. He played on the Cuban baseball team in three World Baseball Classic tournaments and was also part of the 2008 Olympics team. 

He had also been shown interest by other teams such as the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. He is projected to play at either first base or second base.

Diamondbacks Demote Shelby Miller to Triple-A Reno

(Shelby Miller, photo credit: arizonasports.com)

The Arizona Diamondbacks once traded a No. 1 overall draft pick for pitcher Shelby Miller. Now they're optioning him to Triple-A Reno (NV). 

Miller has a 2-9 record with a 7.14 ERA. The Diamondbacks traded the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft to the Atlanta Braves to get Miller.

The trade deal was criticized by many in the beginning. Now, everyone knows why. The Diamondbacks were to contend in the NL West after getting pitcher Zack Greinke from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Instead, they now sit at a 38-52 record, last in the division. 

White Sox Call Up P Carson Fulmer From Birmingham

(Carson Fulmer, photo credit: heavy.com)

The Chicago White Sox have called up pitcher Carson Fulmer from the AA Birmingham Barons, the club announced on Friday.

Fulmer is the White Sox' top prospect, and #33 in the MLB. Drafted 8th overall out of Vanderbilt in the 2015 draft, he was expected to move quickly through the minor league system, and has done so. Despite his 4-9 record and 4.76 ERA this season with the Barons, he has pitched well over his last few starts, and made an appearance in the Futures game during All-Star weekend.

The 6-foot, 195-pound 22-year old from Lakeland, Florida is expected to be used in the bullpen for the White Sox in the same way current starting pitchers Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon did when they first appeared in the majors.

 "You're trying to see if a kid can do it, and we did it with Carlso a little bit, and Chris has done it," White Sox manager Robin Venture told the Chicago Tribune. "You bring 'em up here and you bring 'em through out of the bullpen and see if you can lighten their load a little bit and then see how they handle it."

Padres Trade Drew Pomeranz to Red Sox

(Drew Pomeranz, photo credit: zimbio.com)

The San Diego Padres have traded pitcher Drew Pomeranz to the Boston Red Sox. Pomeranz was just selected to his first All-Star Game. 

He is 8-7 this season with a 2.47 ERA. In return, San Diego got Red Sox pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza. He has a 5-8 record in Single-A ball, recording a 4.38 ERA.

Pomeranz has averaged 10.1 strikeouts per nine-inning game. He will also be reaching the end of his contract at the end of the season. 

MLB Likely to Investigate David Ortiz For Tampering

(David Ortiz, photo credit: bostonglobe.com)

During the 2016 All Star festivities in San Diego, many eyes and ears were focused on Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. Appearing in his 10th and final All Star game, Ortiz received attention all weekend for the phenomenal season he is having and the lasting mark he will have left on the game of baseball once he retires after this season.

Unfortunately for MLB executives, Ortiz also seemed to be leaving a mark on the player acquisition aspect of the sport, as well.

In postgame interviews with reporters, Ortiz expressed his desire for the Red Sox organization to replace him with Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays. Citing Encarnacion's skill set, Ortiz explained, "The Red Sox know that they need to reinforce the middle of the lineup. And sorry Blue Jays, but who better than Encarnacion to do that?" Additionally, Ortiz had high praise for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez: "He has incredible stuff. I thought he was gonna end up playing with me this year. I mean, you never know. I want him in my starting rotation. I mean, we need a little bit of help and hopefully that happens at some point, who knows?"

What comes across merely as friendly compliments towards high-profile colleagues is instead considered a mildly-serious offense in the eyes of MLB executives. According to MLB rules, "there shall be no negotiations or dealings respecting employment, either present or prospective, between any player, coach or manager... unless the Club or baseball employer with which the person is connected shall have, in writing, expressly authorized such negotiations or dealings prior to their commencement." In other words, no players, coaches or other team employees are allowed to discuss the status of players that are under contracts with other teams. The penalty for such an offense is usually a fine.

With Ortiz' stature as a great ambassador for the sport, and his status as retiring after this season, it is unlikely he had any malicious intent, or cared much about the repercussions of his words. Encarnacion was ecstatic to hear that Ortiz thought so highly of him: "I feel great because people like David Ortiz are thinking about me like that."

Gerrit Cole to Return from DL Saturday

(photo credit: usatoday.com)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole will return from the DL Saturday. He will start the Pirates second game coming back from the All-Star break against the Washington Nationals.

Cole had started two games for Triple-A Indianapolis. He struck out 12 batters and pitched eight scoreless innings in both games. 

Yu Darvish To Be Activated off DL

(photo credit: sportingnews.com)

The Texas Rangers will activate pitcher Yu Darvish off of the DL on Saturday. He is expected to start on against the Chicago Cubs. He has not pitched since June 8.

The Texas Rangers, who entered the All-Star Break with the best record in the majors, just got that much better with Darvish's return. He missed all of 2015 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He started five rehab starts, going 2-0 with a 2.87 ERA. He rejoined the team on May 28.

In his three seasons in Texas, he has recorded a 41-25 record with a 3.25 ERA. The Dallas Morning News says that he will be limited to just 90 pitches in his start. 

Giancarlo Stanton Wins Home Run Derby

(Giancarlo Stanton, photo credit: Getty Images)

The MLB Home Run Derby was held at Petco Park in San Diego on Monday night. The derby had a system where the matchups were the 1 seed vs 8 seed, 2 seed vs 7 seed, 3 seed vs 6 seed and 4 seed vs 5 seed.

In the 1 vs 8 matchup, Mark Trumbo took on Corey Seiger. After Seiger hit 15 home runs, Trumbo hit 16 to win the round and eliminate Seager. He hit eight consecutive pitches out to give him the win.

In the next matchup, the 4 seed Robinson Cano and 5 seed Giancarlo Stanton faced off. Stanton went first, and he hit 12 home runs with two minutes left and his 30 second bonus he got for hitting two home runs of 440 feet or more. He would finish with 24 homers. Cano was no match, hitting only seven. 

In the third quarterfinal, Adam Duvall defeated Will Myers 11-10 to advance. In the final quarterfinal, defending champion Todd Frazier beat Carlos Gonzalez 13-12. 

In the semifinals, Giancarlo Stanton outlasted Mark Trumbo and Todd Frazier beat Adam Duvall to set up the final.

Stanton would hit 20 more home runs, a record for most home runs hit in the HRD, and he would go on to win the derby. 

Chris Sale Named AL Starting Pitcher

(Chris Sale, photo credit: Associated Press)

Chris Sale will be the starting pitcher for the American League in the 87^th All-Star Game Tuesday night in San Diego.

Sale, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, makes his fifth straight All-Star game appearance. Sale is 14-3 with a 3.38 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 2016. His 14 wins leads the major leagues and his strikeout total is third in the American League.

Sale becomes just the third White Sox pitcher to start in an All-Star game since 1960, following Esteban Loaiza in 2003 and Mark Buehrle in 2005. Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants will be the starter for the National League.