Royals Hold On To Beat Yankees

ROYALS WIN 8-5 over the New York Yankees and win game 1 of the series. The Royals offense had a 5 run 7th inning highlighted by a 3-run homer by Alcides Escobar that put the lead out of reach. Dillon Gee pitched 6 complete innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for the Yankees is Masahiro Tanaka and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals End Winning Road Trip With Win

ROYALS WIN 10-4 over the Boston Red Sox and win the final game of the series and win the series. The offense scored 10 runs on 10 hits. The Royals were down 4-2 in the 6th inning when they just kept the line movin and got 8 runs putting the game away. Yordono Ventura only pitched 4.1 innings giving up all 4 runs on 7 hits, 2 walks and 1 strikeout but thanks to the bullpen that's all the damage that was done. The Royals now return home for a 6 game, 2 series home stand starting with a 3 game series with the New York Yankees starting tomorrow. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Yankees is Michael Pineda will pitch and Dillon Gee will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Take Series Opener at Fenway

ROYALS WIN 6-3 over the Boston Red Sox and win game 1 of the series. The Royals scored 6 runs highlighted by a 3-run homer from Eric Hosmer in the 1st inning to put the Royals on the board and Alex Gordon hit a 2-run homer also in the 1st inning. Ian Kennedy pitched 5.1 innings giving up 2 runs on 9 hits, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for the Sox is David Price and Danny Duffy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Fenway Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Win 9th Straight

ROYALS WIN 1-0 over the Miami Marlins and win game 1 of the series and win their 9th straight game. The offense only scored 1 run on 6 hits but that was enough thanks to the pitching staff. Yordono Ventura pitched 6 complete innings giving up 0 runs on 7 hits, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for Miami is Jose Fernandez and Dillon Gee will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Marlins Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Rangers Place Josh Hamilton on Release Waivers

(photo credit: onestrikeaway.com)

The Texas Rangers have placed outfielder Josh Hamilton on release waivers. They have also placed him on the 60-day DL, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Hamilton has not played at all this season due to ACL surgery. He will not play this season at all, either. He hit eight home runs in 50 games with the Rangers in 2015.

Royals Extend Winning Streak

ROYALS WIN 2-1 over the Minnesota Twins and win the final game of the series and sweep the series. The offense wasn't as explosive as they have been lately but they scored just enough to give the pitching staff room to work with. Danny Duffy added to his campaign to win the Cy Young award with another quality start throwing 6.2 innings giving up 1 run on 8 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. The Royals have a day off tomorrow as they travel for a 6 game, 2 series road trip starting on Tuesday with the Miami Marlins. Pitching game 1 on Tuesday for Miami is Andrew Cashner and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:15 at Marlins Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Win 7 Straight

ROYALS WIN 10-0 over the Minnesota Twins and win the 3rd game of the series. The Royals offense had another good night scoring 10 runs on 17 hits. Salvador Perez hit a 2-run shot into the left field bullpen and Alex Gordon followed him up the next at bat with a solo shot. That was the second homer for Alex on the night. Ian Kennedy pitched 8 complete innings giving up 0 runs on 4 hits, 0 walks and 6 strikeouts. With the win the Royals have now won 7 straight games and look to make it 8 straight tomorrow afternoon. Pitching the final game of the series tomorrow for Minnesota is Ervin Santana and Danny Duffy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 1:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Win 5th Straight

ROYALS WIN 8-1 over the Minnesota Twins and win game 1 of the 4 game series. The offense scored 8 runs with half of those runs coming off of a grand slam by Alex Gordon in the 4th inning. The Royals got another good pitching performance from a starter as Dillon Gee pitched 7 complete innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for Minnesota is Jose Berrios and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Sweep Tigers

ROYALS WIN 4-1 over the Detroit Tigers and win the final game of the series and sweep the series. The offense got off to a slow start as they didn't have a hit in the first 7 innings but once they got started they got on a role. On the 1st pitch of the 8th inning Alex Gordon hit a solo homer to right field to tie the game up at 1. Then in the 9th Eric Hosmer hit a 2-run homer giving KC a 3-1 lead and the Royals would add 1 more run to the lead. Yordono Ventura didn't necessarily have his best stuff tonight but he was able to keep the Royals within 1 run until the offense got going. The Royals now come home for a quick 4 game series with the Minnesota Twins before heading back on the road. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Twins is Tyler Duffey and Dillon Gee will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Win Series In Detroit

ROYALS WIN 6-1 over the Detroit Tigers and win the 2nd game of the series and clich at worst a series win. The offense turned the game into a home run derby as the Royals hit 4 home runs. Raul Mondesi hit one of the 4 home runs tonight in the 3rd inning which is his first career home run. Danny Duffy pitched another great game throwing 7.2 complete innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. Pitching the final game of the series tomorrow for the Tigers is Anibal Sanchez and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Comerica Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Braves to Call Up Dansby Swanson

(photo credit: albanyherald.com)

The Atlanta Braves will call up shortstop Dansby Swanson. The Arizona Diamondbacks picked him with the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. They traded him to the Braves short after for pitcher Shelby Miller.

Swanson has hit eight home runs and recorded 45 RBIs in Double-A play this season. He also has stolen six bases. The Braves play the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.

Kris Bryant; The Top NL MVP Favorite

With the Chicago Cubs having high expectations coming into this 2016 season, we all knew that Anthony Rizzo & Kris Bryant were on a mission. Not only to bring the North Side a long overdue championship but to smash baseball as well. Them and the whole Cubs team have lived up to any expectations given before the season. Bryant & Rizzo, Bryzzo, are hand and hand in NL MVP favorites. But guess who is also a favorite? Daniel Murphy, The Cubs NLCS worst enemy.

After what most people thought was a fluke and just a hot streak for Daniel Murphy in the playoffs last year, has really turned that hot streak into a full season so far. He is batting a .348 with 22 home runs, and 72 Rbi's. He is the leader in the pack for the Nationals as they 8.5 games in first place over the Marlins.

Come November, Kris Bryant will be the 2016 NL MVP. Why? Even though Daniel Murphy is batting 62 points higher than Bryant, Bryant's OBP is only 4 less than Murphy which means Bryant is still working the counts and getting on base. Even in just his second season, he has matured into a great patient hitter. That has also continued with his strike outs. His ROY season, his strike out rate was 30.6% and has dropped it down this year to 23.4%. Thats a dramatic drop in one season. His walk rate is at 11.5% this year. His base running abilities have been top notch as well. Joe Maddon likes to emphasize on "Respect 90" and Bryant does just that, by putting his head down and run hard after every hit no matter if its a home run or a dribbler.

Not only is he getting on base a lot, he is doing everything he can for the Cubs to win. He has played in 6 positions this year and it goes to show all the versatility in one player. No matter where he is at, he comes ready to play and he makes a difference. Bryant's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is at 5.35 with a month and a half yet to play, that also leads the NL. Murphy doesn't even come close to that.

Bryant is a true slugger. He topped his home run total from 2015 and has 28 home runs while having 72 RBI's. The RBI's could definitely be up, but with Joe Maddon batting him in the 2 hole in the lineup lately his main goal is to get on.

There's nothing to be taken away from either Daniel Murphy's year or Anthony Rizzo's, but as of right now, Kris Bryant appears to be the top NL MVP candidate. After just winning Rookie Of The Year, he will look to do what only a few players in MLB history have done and that is to win MVP in their sophomore year.

Giancarlo Stanton Out For Season

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is out for the season with a serious groin injury. This is the third straight season in which Stanton did not play through the end of September.

The injury was sustained on Saturday when he tried going for a double in the bottom of the ninth in their 8-7 loss against the Chicago White Sox. He also hit his 25th home run of the season last night. When he was out for the season in 2015, he had hit 27 home runs. 

The Marlins are currently tied with the St. Louis Cardinals with the second wild card spot. The team has said they will discuss acquiring Alex Rodriguez, who was recently released by the New York Yankees. 

Royals Dominant In Series Finale

ROYALS WIN 11-4 over the Minnesota Twins and win the final game of the series and win the series. The offense scored 11 runs on 16 hits as all but 2 Royals got a hit. Paulo Orlando hit a 3-run bomb in the second deck of left field in the 4th and that really just put the game out of reach for the Twins. Edinson Volquez pitched 6 complete innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. The Royals now go to Detroit to start a 3 game series with the Tigers. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Tigers is Daniel Norris and Ian Kennedy will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Comerica Park. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Nationals Release Jonathon Papelbon

(photo credit: foxsports.com)

The Washington Nationals have released pitcher Jonathan Papelbon. He requested a trade from the Nationals earlier today, and they granted his request. 

Papelbon lost his starting role as the team's closer after they acquired Mark Melancon from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Papelbon recorded a 4.37 ERA over the season. The Nationals were going to designate him for assignment until he asked to be released instead.

Royals Take Series Opener In Minnesota

ROYALS WIN 7-3 over the Minnesota Twins and win game 1 of the 3 game series. The offense scored 7 runs on 11 hits including a solo shot by Kendrys Morales in the top of the 7th. Yordono Ventura pitched 7 complete innings giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, 1 walk and 9 strikeouts. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for the Twins is Tyler Duffey and Dillon Gee will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Target Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Duffy Pitches 1st Career Complete Game

ROYALS WIN 2-1 over the Chicago White Sox and win the final game of the series and win the series. The Royals didn't score alot but scored just enough as they scored both runs in the 6th inning. After a long night for both bullpens last night, Danny Duffy saved a nights work for the bullpen pitching his 1st career complete game giving up 1 run on 7 hits, 0 walks and 5 strikeouts. The Royals now go on the road for a 2 series, 6 game road trip starting with a 3 game series with the Minnesota Twins. Pitching game 1 tomorrow for the Twins is Kyle Gibson and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:10 at Target Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Prince Fielder Forced to Retire at 32

(photo credit: thesportspost.com)

Prince Fielder has announced that he will end his career at age 32. Fielder recently underwent his second neck surgery in three years and doctors have told him that he will not be able to play baseball again.

Fielder will finish his career with 319 home runs. That is the same home run total of his father, Cecil Fielder, who retired at 35.

He played his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.

Diamondbacks Activate Zack Greinke Off DL

(photo credit: usatoday.com)

The Arizona Diamondbacks have activated pitcher Zack Greinke from the disabled list. He will start for the team in their game against the New York Mets on Tuesday night.

The Diamondbacks placed Greinke on the DL on July 3 with tightness in his oblique. He suffered the injury on June 28. 

He is 10-3 with a 3.62 ERA in his first season with the team. He signed a six year $206.5 million deal with the Diamondbacks in the offseason. He spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Royals Take Series From Jays

ROYALS WIN 7-1 over the Toronto Blue Jays and win the 3 game series. The Royals win their first series since the All Star break. The offense exploded for 7 runs on 11 hits including a grand slam hit by Kendrys Morales to put the game out of reach for Toronto. Yordono Ventura pitched 6.2 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits, 4 walks and 4 strikeouts. The Royals now have a day off tomorrow and then start a 3 game series with the Chicago White Sox. Pitching game 1 on Tuesday for the Sox will be Chris Sale and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 7:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Royals Even Series With Jays

ROYALS WIN 4-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays and win game 2 of the 3 game series. The offense scored 4 runs on 11 hits. Danny Duffy followed up his great outing last time he piched with another quality outing. He pitched 6.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Pitching the rubber match of the series tomorrow for the Jays is Marcus Strowman and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 1:15. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Angels Designate Tim Lincecum for Assignment

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The Los Angeles Angels have designated pitcher Tim Lincecum for assignment. They are hoping he will play in Triple-A Salt Lake and remain with the team. Jose Valdez will take Lincecum's spot in the Angel's starting rotation.

Lincecum had a horrible outing on Friday. He gave up six runs on nine hits, two walks and just one strikeout in 3 1/3 innings pitch against the Seattle Mariners. His ERA for the season is now at 9.16. 

Royals Win 2 Straight

ROYALS WIN 3-2 over the Tamp Bay Rays and win game 2 of the 4 game series and clinch at worst a series tie. The Royals got a early run from a RBI single by Eric Hosmer in the top of the first inning and Salvador Perez hit a 2-run homer in the top of the 7th giving KC a 3-2 lead which ended up to be the final score. Yordono Ventura pitched 5 complete innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits, 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Pitching game 3 tomorrow for the Rays is Jake Odorizzi and Edinson Volquez will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Tropicana Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Trevor Story Out for Season

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Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story will miss the remainder of the season as he will undergo thumb surgery. He tore a ligament in his thumb after sliding into second base against the New York Mets on Saturday. 

He set a rookie shortstop record with 27 home runs. It was three short of tying the major league record of 30 set by Nomar Garciaparra in 1997. The 27 home runs also led the NL. Story also led all NL rookies with 72 RBIs.

Indians Place Danny Salazar on DL

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Cleveland Indians pitcher Danny Salazar has been placed on the disabled list with elbow inflammation. Indians manager Terry Francona said that Salazar has been dealing with elbow discomfort the past few weeks. 

In the team's 12-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins, in which Salazar pitched, he gave up six runs on six hits. The elbow discomfort kept him out of the MLB All-Star Game. 

Dodgers Demote Yasiel Puig to Minors

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have sent Yasiel Puig down to the minor leagues. Bleacher Report reports that Puig will play with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate team, the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Puig has hit seven home runs this season. The team even tried trading Puig before the trade deadline. That unfortunately didn't work in their favor. Puig was not happy with the news, either, according to FOX Sports. He didn't join the team for their series in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. 

Red Sox Call Up Highly Touted Prospect Benintendi

(Photo: Associated Press)

On Tuesday the Boston Red Sox called up Andrew Benintendi to join them for their road trip to Seattle this week. Benintendi, a left-handed outfielder, was Boston's 7th-overall pick out of the University of Arkansas in the 2015 draft.

In 97 games across two minor league levels, Benintendi has dazzled at the plate. He his hitting .312 with 9 home runs, 70 runs, 76 RBIs, 31 doubles and 12 triples. The last time Boston called a player up straight from Double-A, Jackie Bradley Jr. went 3-for-31 in his first 12 games and was sent down to Triple-A. In 2013, however, Xander Bogaerts was called up in August as a utility player, provided a spark as he took over full-time third base duties, and helped the Red Sox win the World Series. Both of those players were All-Stars this year. While that future may be down the road, Benintendi's presence could help solidify a lineup that has used six different left fielders this year.

The trade deadline passed on Monday afternoon, and Benintendi was high on the list of many other teams, but Boston refused to consider him a piece to be traded.

"It really came down to, we looked at some possible alternatives (before the trade deadline) to help us in left field, " said Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowki. "We thought some of them were good choices, but we also thought the cost for some of those were quite high. We also weighed that versus what we thought the availability of being ready for Benintendi would be. And our people kept coming up and saying, 'We think he can play at the big league level and we think he's ready...' So it really came down to we think he can come up here and contribute to the club and help us win. And that's important at this time."

Boston is 58-46, one game behind the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East lead and tied with the Toronto Blue Jays, 1.5 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card race.

Cardinals Put Rookie SS Diaz On DL With Fractured Thumb

(Photo: Associated Press)

The St. Louis Cardinals placed Rookie of the Year candidate Aledmys Diaz on the 15-day disabled list after x-rays confirmed he has a hairline fracture in his right thumb.

In his first plate appearance in Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins, Diaz was hit on the hand by a 95-mph fastball from Marlins pitcher Andrew Cashner. He took first base, staying in the game briefly, but after being forced out on a double play ball was replaced in the lineup Tommy Pham. Initial x-rays were inconclusive, but another round made things clear on Monday.

The 25-year old short stop was hitting .312 with a .894 OPS at the time of his injury. Diaz has 14 home runs, 57 RBIs and 64 runs scored this season, leading the Cardinals' team in runs, hits, doubles and batting average, and is top-3 on the team in home runs, OBP, slugging and OPS.

Though placed on the 15-day DL, his injury will likely cause Diaz to miss more time. The Cardinals had already planned on reactivating Jhonny Peralta, who had moved over to the third base earlier in the season with Diaz at short stop, but Peralta will now fill the gap at short.

Milwaukee Headed In The Right Direction

In 2015, When David Stearns was announced the new Milwaukee Brewers GM, it was time for a full rebuild. Stearns was apart of the Houston Astros during their full rebuilding era helping them get their feet on the ground and build a winning team. He was the assistant GM in Houston. The Astros were once a 100 loss team a few years ago. Now? They are making their mark in the AL West with young players like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bergman.

Craig Counsell & David Stearns

Sending Jonathon Lucroy, Jeremy Jeffress, and Will Smith away in trades is the best thing the Brewers could have done this trade deadline. Most fans may be upset at the fact that they just traded away their 2x All-Star catcher, but the way he was swinging the bat the Brewers would've been foolish not to trade him away and get the most out of him. 

Lets just put this into perspective, The Milwaukee Brewers now have 8 of the MLB's top 100 prospects. That list includes; Arcia (13), Brinson (21) , Ray (35) , Hader (43), Ortiz (63), Bickford (65), Clark (74), and Phillips (76). That is great news considering they had one of the worst farm teams a few years ago and a big upgrade in such little time under David Stearns. Under Doug Melvin,  they would throw all their chips into one year & come out just short and be screwed for the upcoming years. Referencing 2011 when they traded Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, and Jake Odorizzi all for Zach Greinke. 

Even with being in full rebuild mode at the moment, they have great young players in the big leagues. The 25 year old SS, Jonathan Villar is a stud. The guy gets on base batting near .300 & he is the stolen base leader in the MLB. He is going to be a key piece moving forward. Tonight the Milwaukee Brewers #1 and highly anticipated prospect will debut tonight vs SD, Orlando Arcia. He's just 21 years old and will be playing SS for the Brew Crew. Villar will be sliding to 3B. Another name to look out for is Jacob Nottingham. He is a catcher in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system. With Lucroy gone, that will open a spot up in the future for him. He's a big smashing power house. Those are just some of the pieces coming together in Milwaukee. 

A plus side to this is you kept Ryan Braun. He may not be a fan favorite with all the PED's a few years ago but he is putting up great numbers still. You need veterans on your team. You can't have a team of inexperienced 21-25 year olds. It would just be a mess. Braun is a great mentor to have and a great bat to have in your lineup.

As a fan it's tough to see your team in last. It's also upsetting when you see such players like Lucroy gone but it's a business and now a days that's how the MLB works. It may suck right now, but when those prospects pan out in years to come, Miller Park will be rocking every day. Bernie will be sliding down the slide more times than he has ever been and fans will have a loaded team for years to come. 

Danny Duffy Sets Franchise Strikeout Record

ROYALS WIN 3-0 over the Tampa Bay Rays and win game 1 of the 4 game series. The offense scored 3 runs on 9 hits but the real story was Danny Duffy. Danny Duffy pitched 8 complete innings throwing 110 pitches. He threw 7 complete innings of no-hit ball when Desmond Jennings hit a lead off double breaking up the no hitter. Danny recorded 16 strikeouts, setting a Royals franchise record for the most strikeouts in a single game. Pitching game 2 tomorrow for Tampa Bay is Matt Andriese and Yordono Ventura will pitch for the Royals. The game is scheduled for 6:10 at Tropicana Field. #ForeverRoyal -#RoyalNoah

Rays Deal SP Matt Moore to Giants

(photo credit: AP)

The San Francisco Giants made a deal at the buzzer on Monday afternoon, as they've acquired former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Moore. San Francisco has been looking for a left-handed arm, and Moore was one of the best on the market. The Rays will be getting Matt Duffy, Michael Santos, and Lucius Fox in exchange for Moore. Moore will be the second left-handed arm in the Giants rotation, joining ace Madison Bumgarner.

Moore is expected to slide in as the third pitcher in the rotation, behind Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto. Moore, 27, has posted a 4.08 ERA, and a 1.27 WHIP, with 109 strikeouts in 130 innings pitched. Other than Bumgarner, Moore is the only Giants starter that is under the age of 30. The Giants have had a strong rotation with Bumgarner, Cueto, and Jeff Sarmardzija, but the other two starters have been inconsistent this year.

Jake Peavy and Matt Cain have not been reliable options, so swapping Moore for either of those pitchers will instantly improve the Giants rotation. Moore is arbitration eligible next season, despite signing a 5-year deal worth $14 million with the Rays in December of 2011. Moore is two seasons removed from Tommy John surgery, but he's seemed to have no restrictions this year.

Moore has started 21 games this year, compiling a record of 7-7. Duffy was on the Giants major league roster this year, and he's been limited by an achillies injury. Duffy is batting .253, with four homers and 21 RBI's. Santos is 4-2 this year, with a 2.91 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP in 58.2 innings pitched at Class-A Augusta. Fox is batting .207 with two homers and 16 RBI's in Class-A.

Red Sox Acquire Abad From Twins

(Photo: Hannah Foslien, Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their bullpen by adding left-hander Fernando Abad from the Minnesota Twins. In exchange, the Twins will receive Pat Light, a relief pitcher in Triple AAA.

Abad has appeared in 39 games for the Twins this season. In 34 innings he has a 2.65 ERA and 1.206 WHIP with 29 strikeouts. The 30-year old Dominican native debuted in 2010 with the Astros, and has seen time with the Nationals, Athletics, Twins, and now Red Sox,

Light was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2012 draft out of Monmouth University. The 6'5" 25-year old has struggled with the strike zone this season for AAA Pawtucket, totaling 17 walks in 31 innings. At other times he has show he can be overpowering, with 36 strikeouts.

Brewers and Giants Swap RP Smith For Prospects

(Photo: CBS Sports)

The Milwaukee Brewers sent relief pitcher Will Smith to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for two minor league prospects: catcher Andrew Susac and pitcher Phil Bickford.

Smith missed the start of the season due to a knee injury, but was stellar through July 23. In that stretch, he had a 1.93 ERA while allowing opponents to hit just .188 against him. In those 18 2/3 innings, he gave up just 4 earned runs. In the 3 1/3 innings since, he has allowed six hits, three walks, and five earned runs. His overall production is still valued highly enough to be a valuable commodity, especially as a lefty out of the bullpen.

Bickford has performed well in the lower minor leagues this season, compiling a 2.71 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 93 innings in Class A and A-Advanced. Susac has spent time back and forth in the Majors and Triple AAA, but didn't have much of an opportunity on the Giants with Buster Posey in front of him, and unless the Brewers manage to unload Jonathon Lucroy today, Susac will have a similar situation in Milwaukee.

Yankees Trade Carlos Beltran to Rangers

(photo credit: neosportsinsiders.com)

The Texas Rangers have acquired Carlos Beltran in a trade with the New York Yankees. Texas will send prospect Dillon Tate to the Bronx. Beltran led the Yankees in doubles, home runs and RBIs, as well as slugging percentage. 

Beltran's contract is to expire at the end of the season. Tate has struggled this season, recording a 5.12 ERA.  

Marlins to Send Colin Rea Back to Padres

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The Miami Marlins are reportedly sending pitcher Colin Rea back to the San Diego Padres. Miami got Rea as part of a seven-player trade. He left his first start with the Marlins in the fourth inning with elbow problems. He was placed on the DL short after. 

The Marlins are reportedly "livid", or very upset, and claim they got "damaged goods" from the Padres. In return to sending Rea back to San Diego, the Marlins will retain pitcher Andrew Cashner and Luis Castillo.

Dodgers Acquire Rich Hill and Josh Reddick From A's

(photo credit: si.com)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will send minor league pitching prospects Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for starting pitcher Rich Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick, sources report on Monday.

In Hill the Dodgers receive a veteran starter to add to a rotation that has struggled with injuries recently. Reddick's presence in the outfield makes Yasiel Puig expendable for the Dodgers, which they have been aiming to do as the trade deadline approached.

Hill is currently on the disabled list with a blistered finger. The 36-year old right-hander is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 14 starts for Oakland this season. Reddick is hitting .296 with an OPS of .818 in his 68 games with Oakland this year. He missed the end of May and most of June with a fractured thumb. His production has dipped a little in his return (he was hitting .322 before the injury)

Holmes is ranked as the 72nd best prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America. He made 18 starts in Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga. He compiled a record of 8-4, and he's posted an ERA of 4.02, and he also has a WHIP of 1.39.

The 20-year-old has struck out 100 batters in 105 1/3 innings. Cotton, 24, has made 22 appearances in Triple-A Oklahoma City this year. He is 8-5 with an ERA of 4.90, and he's recorded 119 strikeouts in 97 1/3 innings. Montas is ranked as the 95th best prospect in baseball by Baseball America. In 16 innings at Double-A and Triple-A, he has a 2.25 ERA and 22 strikeouts. He has missed a good portion of the season due to a rib injury.

Reds Trade Jay Bruce to Mets, Dilson Herrera Sent to Cincinnati

(photo credit: freep.com)

The New York Mets have signed former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. In return, the Reds will get prospect, Dilson Herrera and one other prospect, according to Yahoo! Sports.  

Bruce has hit 25 home runs, 22 doubles, six triples and 80 RBIs over the course of this season. The Mets could use Bruce, as they are 28th in the league in scoring. They are also 2 1/2 games out of the final NL Wild Card.