news

The Reds on Saturday announced that infielder Nick Senzel -- the club's No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline -- will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right index finger on Tuesday.

In 44 games for Triple-A Louisville, Senzel hit .310 with 12 doubles, two triples, six homers, 25 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

The trade market has heated up earlier than usual, with this week's trade of Kelvin Herrera serving as evidence of the active discussions taking place well in advance of the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. The market is deep with star-caliber talent in some places and woefully shallow in others. But as is the case every year, you don't have to be a big name to have a big impact.

With that in mind, here are five areas in which lower-profile names might be worthwhile targets for contending teams.

1. Starting pitchers Tyson Ross (Padres), Marco Estrada (Blue Jays) and Francisco Liriano (Tigers)
Alternatives to: J.A. Happ (Blue Jays) and Cole Hamels (Rangers)

Happ and Hamels front a predominantly weak starting-pitching market (that is, unless the controllable likes of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Blake Snell are actually dealt). But these guys rate as more affordable and, therefore, possibly more attractive options.

Ross, viewed as a reclamation project the past couple years, has been outstanding for the Padres, boasting a 3.34 ERA and 117 ERA+ in 15 starts. He actually has better numbers away from pitcher-friendly Petco Park than in it. And though he doesn't get as many ground balls or swings and misses as he did in his rising-star turn in 2014 and '15, before injuries set in, he has been a dependable weapon on a very reasonable (and expiring) contract, so he could augment a contending rotation right now. By and large, Estrada's 2018 numbers resemble the numbers from his 2017 decline. In fact, he entered Friday's start with an ERA+ of 91, identical to his '17 mark. But his string of quality starts this month are a positive step in the right direction, and it's worth noting that his hard-hit percentage allowed (31.7) and barrel percentage allowed (7.0) are more similar to his 2016 campaign (30.4, 7.1), when he was an All-Star, than 2017 (36.5, 10.7). So this might be the right time to buy in.

Video: SD@SF: Ross K's 3 over 7 innings of 1-run ball

And if clubs are dead set on a left-handed starting rental, Liriano has once again established himself as worthy of consideration. He's returning this weekend after missing several weeks due to a hamstring issue, but prior to the injury, he had a respectable 112 ERA+ in 10 starts for the Tigers.

2. Relief pitchers Craig Stammen and Kirby Yates (Padres)
Alternatives to: Brad Hand (Padres)

As is the case every summer, there are loads of interesting options in the relief market, and there could be opportunities for clubs to uncover an unexpected gem. I'm singling out the Padres only because their closer, Hand, has been a known trade commodity for what feels like forever, yet he's surrounded by other, less discussed but very interesting relief assets.

Stammen is a veteran pitching well (2.04 ERA, 0.93 WHIP) on a two-year deal that runs through 2019, and Yates has been fantastic (0.93 ERA, 0.90 WHIP) on a cheap one-year contract. Rookie Adam Cimber is also an attractive bullpen option here, but with so much contractual control attached to him, the price tag would be extremely high -- as it is with Hand, who signed an extension with the Padres not long after they were unable to find a team to meet their asking price for him last summer.

Video: SD@PIT: Stammen retires Cervelli, escapes jam

3. Lefty reliever Jake Diekman (Rangers)
Alternative to: Zach Britton (Orioles)

Britton is another guy with huge name recognition who is also worth singling out in this discussion. He's still working to build up strength and trade value in his return from a ruptured Achilles, and it probably shouldn't be surprising that his velocity is down slightly following his injury.

Diekman, a fellow lefty relief rental, might be the safer pickup. He's not having an extraordinary season (1.39 WHIP, 5.3 walks per nine), but the Rangers feel he has become more comfortable with the 40 pounds he has added since surgery to remove his colon, and he has thrown the ball very well in recent weeks. The Blue Jays' Aaron Loup is another lefty rental worth consideration here.

Video: DET@TEX: Diekman strikes out Jones to escape trouble

4. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy (A's)
Alternative to: Wilson Ramos (Rays) and J.T. Realmuto (Marlins)

Ramos, like Lucroy, is a rental, and the Marlins' Realmuto is the big Fish (pun intended) behind the dish. But while both of those guys are having All-Star-caliber campaigns and Lucroy's value is nowhere near what it was two years ago with the Brewers, don't lose sight of what an impact acquisition Lucroy can be. His help in developing the young A's pitching staff has been profound.

Lucroy might not give a club as much offensive thunder as he showed when he joined the Rockies in the second half last year (including a 1.016 OPS at Coors Field), but this is still a guy who can help a pitching staff reach its ceiling down the stretch.

Video: Must C Comeback: A's tie it in 9th, win it in 11th

5. Infielder Yangervis Solarte (Blue Jays)
Alternative to: Manny Machado (Orioles), Mike Moustakas (Royals), Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays), Adrian Beltre (Rangers), Brian Dozier (Twins), Starlin Castro (Marlins), Josh Harrison (Pirates) and Scooter Gennett (Reds)

As you can see, there is a healthy inventory of high-profile names available in the infield. (Not long ago, I would not have considered Gennett a "high-profile" guy, but he's third in the National League All-Star voting at his position, leading the league in batting average and has double-digit homers, so he certainly has earned the label.) Long story short: A buyer's market could develop here.

Video: WSH@TOR: Solarte smashes 2 homers in a 3-hit game

Solarte has never been an All-Star or anything close to it, but he has been a really valuable piece for a Blue Jays club in transition. He can play anywhere in the infield and has done a decent job filling in at third when Donaldson has been hurt. After an offseason trade from the Padres, he has made the adjustment to the AL with a solid wRC+ mark of 112 (or 12 percent better than league average). He's under control through 2020 with two affordable team options. Because of that last point -- and the wealth of infield options in this market -- I tend to doubt he'll get dealt. But he's a worthwhile trade target worth mentioning in a market loaded with more recognizable names.

MILWAUKEE -- After barely making the team out of Spring Training, Jesus Aguilar was the Brewers' third-string first baseman. Now, he's been welcomed by teammates at Miller Park's home plate with a walk-off shower twice this season and is arguably his team's most feared hitter.

In their 2-1 win over the Cardinals on Friday night at Miller Park, the Brewers had three hits: an eighth-inning single from Eric Sogard and two solo home runs from Aguilar. In the victory, Aguilar became the first player in the Expansion Era (since 1961) to break up a no-hit bid of five-plus innings with a home run and hit a walk-off homer in the same game, per Elias Sports.

"I'm confident," Aguilar said. "I'm confident in myself. When I get a chance to go there, I'm going to give my 100 percent. That's how I think."

Aguilar's team-leading 15th homer broke up Jack Flaherty's no-hit bid with one out in the seventh inning. His 16th won it in the ninth off of Bud Norris. Add five-plus one-run innings from Junior Guerra, a lights-out bullpen and the benches clearing in the eighth and Milwaukee is above .500 (17-16) in the National League Central this season with its NL-best 45th win, extending its lead over the Cubs to two games.

But Brewers manager Craig Counsell was zeroed in on Aguilar carrying the team in his fifth-consecutive multi-RBI performance.

"It's again, it's putting together at-bats, smart at-bats, knowing what's going on," Counsell said. "[Aguilar has] really improved on that. He knows what he's looking for. I think that's the best way to say it. Able to use a good swing and the strength and be a really dangerous player."

Video: STL@MIL: Counsell on Aguilar's two home runs in win

The Brewers' offense scored 11 runs off two-time All-Star Carlos Martinez and the Cardinals' staff in a series-opening romp on Thursday night, yet they were anything but dangerous for most of Friday.

Flaherty had no-hit stuff for 100 pitches, but it was his 101st pitch when Aguilar connected for the Brewers' first hit -- a game-tying homer in the seventh.

Video: STL@MIL: Aguilar homers to break up no-hitter in 7th

Behind in the count 0-1, Aguilar said he was "just trying to hit the ball. [Flaherty] was dominating the strike zone tonight, and I think we got lucky. We tied the game in the moment, it's a new game, and we're moving forward, thinking we're going to win this game."

Flaherty pitched seven innings and tied a career-high with 13 strikeouts, blowing by the nine he had against the Brewers on April 3. Yet the rookie's one mistake to Aguilar -- who didn't have a home run this season until April 21 -- denied him of his fourth career victory.

Jordan Hicks hurled a scoreless eighth, allowing the single to Sogard, which led to the benches clearing after Sogard slid into Cardinals shortstop Yairo Munoz at second base.

Video: STL@MIL: Benches clear after force play in Milwaukee

Norris came on in a tie game in the ninth, and retired Travis Shaw before getting ahead of Aguilar in the count, 0-2. Then came another slider, one that Aguilar sent into the right-field bullpen.

"Well, I mean, it was just outstanding," Counsell said. "He hit two sliders. First one, guy's pitching a heck of a game, it's a ball out of the zone, it's just kind of strength and a good baseball swing gets it out of there. The last one, Norris has got a very good slider, it was a little up I think, but to get to that ball with two strikes was absolutely amazing. Yeah, he put us on our back tonight and carried us."

Video: STL@MIL: Aguilar clubs 2nd homer to walk off Brewers

Aguilar's recent tear, which included a first-inning RBI double on Thursday off Martinez, is also earning respect from his opposition.

"Great hitter, he's hot right now," Norris said. "I got ahead, which was my focus. Then I got to expand him. I'm trying to throw a fastball up. I yanked it. He put a barrel on it, ball went over the fence. Not happy about it, that's for sure. "

With Eric Thames back in the lineup after thumb surgery and Ryan Braun healthy following a short cryotherapy procedure in Los Angeles earlier this week, Counsell certainly has several options for first base and left field.

Aguilar is making his best argument for earning the starting first-base job, just months after even making the team was in flux.

"When [Counsell] puts me there," Aguilar said, "he knows I'm going to battle and do what I'm supposed to do."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Hader puts out fire with 3 K's: With no outs and runners on first and second in the sixth inning, Josh Hader relieved Guerra, and finished the inning by striking out the Cardinals' 7-8-9 hitters to keep the deficit at one run.

Video: STL@MIL: Hader K's Flaherty, the side in the 6th

"I was just attacking them," Hader said. "Using my strengths, and for me, that's not giving them anything they can put in play to score those runs."

The Brewers and Cardinals combined for 30 strikeouts over nine innings, and Milwaukee's bullpen -- Hader, Jacob Barnes, Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel -- had eight over four innings.

Video: STL@MIL: Barnes strikes out Martinez in the 7th

Some of those strikeouts led to disputes with home plate umpire Tim Timmons, including an ejection to Tommy Pham in the first inning after arguing with Timmons from the Cardinals' dugout. Thames threw his bat and slammed his helmet after his second strikeout of the game in the third.

"There was good pitching on both sides tonight," Counsell said. "When the pitchers keep putting the balls on the corners, there's going to be some disagreements. There were a lot of balls put on corners tonight."

Video: STL@MIL: Pham tossed for arguing from Cards' bench

SOUND SMART
Aguilar's walk-off home run not only made him the first Brewer with multiple walk-off homers in a season since Corey Hart in 2010, but helped him match Jeromy Burnitz's club record (1999) with multiple RBIs in five straight starts.

HE SAID IT
"Never. Never. Never. Don't strike out. That's why I was overaggressive trying to hit that pitch in front." -- Aguilar, who said he has never been on a team that was no-hit at any level of baseball and that his only game plan against Flaherty before the home run was to not strike out

Video: Must C Clutch: Aguilar hits tying, then walk-off HR

UP NEXT
Right-hander Chase Anderson (5-6, 4.54 ERA) will look to rebound in the third game of the Brewers' four-game series with the Cardinals on Saturday at 3:10 p.m. CT at Miller Park. Anderson allowed a season-high six runs on only five hits in a loss to the Phillies on Sunday. Right-hander Miles Mikolas (7-2, 2.69) will start for the Cardinals.

BOSTON -- Just when you thought Nelson Cruz was going to be too much for the Red Sox on Friday night, J.D. Martinez went off on the Seattle Mariners.

Backed by a late-game surge from Martinez, who belted a two-run homer and a two-run single to cap a wild comeback, the Red Sox emerged with a 14-10 victory in a classic slugfest at Fenway Park.

Video: SEA@BOS: Red Sox erase early deficit with 5-run 1st

Martinez went 4-for-5, scored three times, drove in five and was a triple shy of the cycle. His home run was No. 23 on the season, tying him with Mike Trout for the MLB lead.

"Good at-bats the whole day," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "The two doubles, he just missed the second one, and the home run, he hit a missile to center field and you saw what happened. This guy, he's that good. It's good that we had traffic in front of him. Everybody from top to bottom did an outstanding job staying in the game, just believing."

Thanks to the mashing of Martinez, the Red Sox were able to offset the monster performance by Cruz, who hammered two three-run homers off of knuckleballer Steven Wright as part of a 4-for-5, seven-RBI performance.

"He was off in the first inning, and he made some adjustments," Cora said. "It's one of those that he was getting close to getting back, and then [Cruz] happened. That's basically what happened."

But Martinez -- who is off to an MVP-caliber start to the season -- happened for the Red Sox.

"When we went down 10-5, I remember just thinking and talking in the outfield to the guys during the pitching change that we were down 10-5, but it didn't feel that way," said Martinez. "I felt we were really still in this game. And that's kind of how I felt the environment was in the dugout during the game today."

For the second straight day, the Sox established a season high in hits. The 20-hit onslaught came a day after Boston banged out 16 hits in a getaway-day win over the Twins.

Video: SEA@BOS: Benintendi ties game with a single to center

"It's 162 games, and we're going to go through stretches like we did in Minnesota that we felt like we had no chance offensively, and then all of a sudden, this happened," said Cora.

This game was wild from the outset. The Red Sox rallied back from a deficit of 4-0 in the top of the first to take a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the first. And when they trailed 10-5, they again didn't flinch, scoring one in the fifth, three in the sixth and five in the seventh.

Martinez's two-run homer in the sixth came off a 1-2 fastball from Mariners reliever Nick Vincent to get the Red Sox back within striking distance at 10-8. Mitch Moreland followed with a triple, and Xander Bogaerts -- who later left the game with a left index finger sprain -- made it a one-run game with an RBI single.

Video: SEA@BOS: Martinez rips a go-ahead 2-run single in 7th

In the seventh, Andrew Benintendi made it 10-10 with an RBI single. And it was Martinez who put Boston in front for good with his two-run single up the middle.

"It was a weird game," said Benintendi. "It was one of those, when you're down 10-5, there was a lot of game left. The way it was going, it was like, 'We're going to come back.' We just put good at-bats together, took our walks, and got those big hits."

Wright endured one of the worst starts of his career, surrendering four runs in the top of the first and a total of 10 earned runs over 3 1/3 innings. In one start, Wright's ERA went from 1.23 to 3.38.

Yet the Red Sox won anyway with a batting barrage against Wade LeBlanc and several Seattle relievers.

The game couldn't have played out any differently than last week's LeBlanc-Wright matchup at Safeco Field, which the Mariners won, 1-0.

"He pitched a great game against us last time," Martinez said. "It was one of those things where we all had a little chip on our shoulder coming into today. We were just like, 'Let's go. Let's get this guy.' I think everyone was just a little more focused."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Martinez's first strike: Down 4-0 early, the Red Sox struck back quickly against LeBlanc in the bottom of the first, and the hit that seemed to change the momentum was Martinez's RBI double to left that brought home Mookie Betts to make it a three-run game with nobody out.

Video: SEA@BOS: Martinez rips an RBI double off the wall

"Yeah, I mean I just think bouncing back the way we did in that first inning was probably the biggest thing," said Moreland. "Coming back out and scoring some runs and getting back into the ballgame there was a big one for us."

SOUND SMART
This marked the first time the Red Sox won a game in which their starter allowed 10-plus runs since May 8, 1946, when Mickey Harris allowed 10 runs (seven earned) against the White Sox.

HE SAID IT
"To get down by a pretty good many early and battle back, take the lead, lose it again, get down big again, and then come back and win, that's some fight. We've got a great group in here. You know, that was a good one for us." -- Moreland

UP NEXT
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (9-1, 3.59 ERA), who has won his last six starts, will try to stay hot when he takes the mound in Saturday's middle game of this three-game series. Rodriguez beat the Mariners last time out with a strong start, as he gave up two runs over six innings while striking out nine. The Red Sox are 13-1 in his starts this season. Seattle counters with righty Mike Leake (7-4, 4.47). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.

ATLANTA -- As Friday night transformed into Saturday morning, Manny Machado stepped into the box after more than five hours had ticked by since the first pitch was thrown at SunTrust Park. Machado said he was only looking for one thing and, surprisingly, it wasn't the perfect pitch to hit. All he wanted was "to go home," he joked.

But there must have been a little truth in the jest because Machado got what he wanted. The Orioles beat the National League East-leading Braves, 10-7, when their shortstop sent a shot into the visiting bullpen in left field for a two-run homer in the 15th inning. Jonathan Schoop later added a two-out RBI single as insurance.

But it took a lot of fight for the Orioles to get to that point. Down 3-1 in the ninth, the Orioles' bats came alive in a six-run frame as four of the first five batters reached. Danny Valencia cut the deficit with an RBI single before Schoop followed with an RBI double to tie the game at 3. Chris Davis scored the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly to left field. A trio of two-out RBI knocks capped the O's scoring.

Video: BAL@ATL: Orioles erupt for 6 runs in the 9th inning

But the Braves would not go quietly after the O's ninth-inning rally. Down 7-3 with no outs and the bases loaded in the bottom half of the frame, the heart of the Braves' order rallied to score two runs on a Freddie Freeman single to center field and another two on a Nick Markakis game-tying double.

All of the excitement came after a stellar start from Alex Cobb, whom Orioles manager Buck Showalter said was as good as he has been all year. Friday night's game was laced with a little redemption for Cobb, who gave up 14 runs through 10 2/3 innings over his past two starts.

Cobb was taken out after the seventh inning, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six along the way.

"I can't even really recall what took place [after I came out]," Cobb joked, "but I know there were some pretty good back and forth."

Video: BAL@ATL: Cobb K's 6 over 7 innings of 1-run ball

The key takeaway from the right-hander's performance on Friday night was his ability to get soft contact from the Braves' lineup. Up until Dansby Swanson's two-out triple in the seventh, no Braves player had been able to get a good barrel on the ball.

"It was one of those days where you throw a pitch and the ball is actually coming out better than it feels," Cobb said. "... Getting ground balls on mistake pitches I think really tells me that my delivery is in line and the ball is coming out the right way."

Video: BAL@ATL: Swanson hits a two-out triple to right

Along with Cobb, Davis also made his presence known in Friday night's win in his return to the Orioles' lineup after an eight-game hiatus. After walking in his first plate appearance, he hit a solo homer to open the fifth inning to give the O's a 1-0 lead.

Davis had been struggling offensively throughout much of the 2018 season, with a .150 average and 14 strikeouts in June. The last time Davis knocked a home run was on May 9 against the Royals. Friday's was his fifth of the season.

"Him hitting a home run, that's kind of the least of it for me," Showalter said. "It's about having him back and getting a chance to be back engaged in the competition."

Video: BAL@ATL: Davis opens the scoring with a solo homer

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
While there were many singular moments that mattered for the Orioles in the 15-inning game, none were quite as nerve-racking as when the Braves had a chance to cap off a four-run, ninth-inning rally with the walk-off win. Atlanta gave Freeman the green light from third to attempt to score on Markakis' double to right field. If Freeman scored, the Braves would win. The O's defensive arms, however, proved too quick for Freeman as a relay from Jace Peterson in right to Schoop at second to Caleb Joseph at the plate prevented the winning run from scoring with a close play at the plate.

"In that situation, you are just trying to do whatever," Machado said. "You got to fight back, and we fought back to get back in that game."

Video: BAL@ATL: Markakis hits game-tying double in 9th

SOUND SMART
Since making his debut in 2011, Cobb has posted a 2.67 ERA in Interleague play, which is the fifth-best mark among all active pitchers.

Friday night's 15-inning, five-plus-hour game was the longest bout of the season for both the Orioles and Braves. Both clubs had previously gone to 14 innings. 

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS
Called up from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier in the day, Danny Santana fueled Atlanta's ninth-inning rally with a double and nearly ended the game with two outs in the 12th. The outfielder drilled Miguel Castro's 3-1 sinker and then watched Craig Gentry snare it with his glove at the top of the center-field wall.

Video: BAL@ATL: Gentry makes catch at wall to end the 12th

WILKERSON'S FIRST HIT
Steve Wilkerson notched his first Major League hit with an RBI single during the six-run ninth inning. The Orioles selected his contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. A Georgia native, Wilkerson attended Pope High School in Marietta, less than 10 miles from SunTrust Park.

Video: BAL@ATL: Wilkerson drills RBI single for 1st MLB hit

HE SAID IT
"That's why people come, because things happen that aren't supposed to happen on paper… You can't hand the ball to your best shooter or your best running back. You have to wait your turn in the order, and that's why it's such a team game." -- Showalter, on the wild ninth inning

UP NEXT
Dylan Bundy gets the start as the Orioles go for the series victory over the Braves on Saturday at SunTrust Park. After holding opponents to no runs on three hits in back-to-back appearances to open June, the O's right-hander gave up four runs in his last start against the Marlins. But a strong offensive surge assured a win for Bundy. The Braves will counter with Julio Teheran. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.

NEW YORK -- Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will come off the disabled list and start Saturday night's game against the Mets, forgoing a previously scheduled Minor League rehabilitation assignment, manager Dave Roberts announced before Friday night's series opener at Citi Field.

Kershaw has been limited to one start since May 1. He first went on the DL with left biceps tendinitis, was activated for one five-inning start on May 31, then went back on the DL with a strained lower back. Kershaw will be opposing Mets ace Jacob deGrom and his Major League-leading 1.51 ERA. deGrom has posted a 0.90 ERA with 90 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings over his last 11 starts.

After bullpen sessions and a simulated game, Kershaw was to make a rehab start on Saturday night for Triple-A Oklahoma City in Omaha, Neb. But with rain expected in Omaha, as it is in New York on Saturday, Dodgers management was convinced (in large part by Kershaw) to call an audible.

"We're going to keep him here with us," Roberts said. "With the weather uncertainty in Omaha, to make his start is probably the best thing for him and for us. We don't know how much he's going to pitch. Obviously, there is a limitation with him.

"Yeah, there's weather [expected in New York]. As I understand it, there's a potential delay, but we'll be mindful of it. We're not going to do anything to put him in harm's way."

Video: ARI@LAD: Kershaw K's 12 over seven dominant innings

Caleb Ferguson, originally announced as Saturday's Dodgers starter, will remain active and serve as a long reliever to take over if Kershaw's start is cut short. That means Kershaw's return will force the removal of another player from the active roster.

"He did play a little weatherman," Roberts confirmed of Kershaw's role.

Roberts had initially expressed concerns about Kershaw's readiness for Major League competition, with the lefty having pitched only five innings in the past six weeks.

"The thing is, we're going to obviously monitor the length for tomorrow," Roberts said. "We feel comfortable and confident."

Kershaw, a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, began the year with some tough luck, going 1-4 despite posting a 2.76 ERA and a 3.46 FIP. Eyes will likely be on the radar gun on Saturday, as the southpaw was recording the lowest fastball velocities of his career before landing on the DL.

Rich Hill will start for the Dodgers on Sunday, and Kenta Maeda will start on Monday.

Worth noting

• Chris Taylor, removed from Wednesday's game due to a tight left hamstring, was not in the starting lineup on Friday night, but he said he would probably be available off the bench to pinch-hit. Roberts said he will be re-evaluated on Saturday. Enrique Hernandez started at shortstop.

Video: ATL@LAD: Buehler K's Camargo, leaves with injury

• Rookie right-hander Walker Buehler is still experiencing some pain in his microfractured rib, but he'll throw a bullpen session to determine if he's close to being activated off the DL. Buehler made three starts before the injury was diagnosed. It was caused by a 108-mph line drive that drilled him on May 21, but Buehler wasn't placed on the DL until he had to be removed from a June 8 start with pain and difficulty breathing.

As the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, we'll keep you up to date with the latest news, buzz, rumors and more.

Nats say asking price on Realmuto too high
June 22: The Nationals could be among the most aggressive teams in making significant roster upgrades these next few weeks, but the cost for Marlins backstop J.T. Realmuto remains prohibitive, at least in the eyes of Nats general manager Mike Rizzo.

Here's what Rizzo said in a candid interview on Friday with MLB Network Radio about potentially acquiring Miami's backstop:

"[The Marlins] are not going to sell him cheap. We know what the return has to be on Realmuto, and we're not willing to meet that price. So unless something changes there, on their end, we're going to go with [Matt] Wieters when he gets healthy and a combination of [Pedro] Severino and [Spencer] Kieboom to back him up."

• Feinsand: 10 players whose trade stock is on the rise

The Nats were very publicly linked to Realmuto throughout the winter, but -- as appears to still be the case -- the asking price was too high. Many reports over the offseason alluded that Miami, in the midst of a major overhaul, was asking for at least one of its top two prospects, Victor Robles or Juan Soto, both of whom have excelled in brief MLB stints.

Realmuto, 27, remains under club control through 2020, which assuredly would be one of the many enticing returns for Washington, which has many significant contributors hitting free agency this winter. Realmuto is batting .297/.355/.524 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs in 54 games this season for a Marlins club that entered Friday with a 29-46 record.

Video: Mike Lowell breaks down J.T. Realmuto, his value

Astros remain interested in acquiring Britton
June 22: After nearly trading for Orioles closer Zach Britton last season, the Astros remain interested in the left-hander, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

Houston and Baltimore agreed on a deal sending Britton to the Astros for multiple players before the non-waiver Trade Deadline in 2017, but it was reportedly vetoed by Orioles owner Peter Angelos after physicals were exchanged.

• Non-waiver Trade Deadline explained

Britton has allowed only one hit over 4 1/3 scoreless innings since he returned from right Achilles tendon surgery, and he's walked just one batter after issuing three free passes in his season debut.

The bullpen arguably remains the Astros' biggest weakness, and yet, the club's relief corps has performed incredibly well lately, posting the third-best ERA (2.03) in the Majors during June.

Hector Rondon has emerged as the Astros' primary closer this month, notching four saves in four chances, and Chris Devenski (1.57 ERA), Collin McHugh (1.13 ERA) and Brad Peacock (2.30 ERA) have also excelled this season. Even Ken Giles, who posted a 7.88 ERA in May and allowed three runs in his first two June appearances, has found a groove, tossing four straight scoreless outings.

• Morning Lineup Podcast talks third-base trade market

Rangers willing to pay part of Choo's contract in trade
June 22: The Rangers have made Shin-Soo Choo available and are willing to pay part of the veteran's salary to get a deal done, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

The 35-year-old is owed $42 million over the 2019-20 seasons as part of the seven-year, $130 million contract he signed with Texas in December 2013.

Choo has reached base in 34 straight games and owns a stellar 134 wRC+ this season. However, his defensive capabilities in the outfield are limited at this point, and he's spent much of the year as the Rangers' designated hitter. That, along with his contract, could reduce that number of teams interested in acquiring him.

"No chance" Pirates trade Taillon
June 22: Even if the Pirates decide to sell, Jameson Taillon is not expected to be one of the players available, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

A source told Heyman there is "no chance" Pittsburgh moves its 26-year-old right-hander, who has posted a 4.03 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP this season.

Taillon won't be arbitration eligible for the first time until the 2019-2020 offseason and has four seasons remaining after this one before he reaches free agency.

Pirates players who are more likely to be dealt include Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, Corey Dickerson and Ivan Nova.

Mets more likely to trade Wheeler than deGrom, Syndergaard?
June 21: The Mets have been calling around to gauge other teams' trade interest in their players, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

Video: Morning Lineup: Teams that could trade for deGrom

While rivals are dubious the Mets will trade either Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard, the club is finding interest in Zack Wheeler, per Heyman. Meanwhile, there hasn't been much chatter yet regarding Steven Matz.

MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that the Mets are "open for business" as it relates to prospective trade offers ahead of the non-waiver Trade Deadline.

However, it will likely take a major haul to acquire either deGrom or Syndergaard. A Mets source told Heyman the club would need to get Gleyber Torres back to trade deGrom to the Yankees, which provides a sense of the asking price the club has placed on the ace. Of course, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has already nixed the idea of trading Torres, joking that he still has to "walk around this city."

Wheeler will surely cost teams less than it would take to acquire deGrom or Syndergaard. The righty owns a 4.82 ERA this season and has an extensive injury history, but his FIP is a promising 3.80. He was also hitting 99 mph with his four-seam fastball in his most recent start on June 17 against the D-backs.

Could Phils jump into Machado sweepstakes early?
June 21: The Phillies, who have been thought to be planning a pursuit of Orioles third baseman Manny Machado when he hits the free-agent market this offseason, are having problems on the left side of their infield: Not only have they been getting little production there, rookie shortstop/third baseman J.P. Crawford recently broke his left hand when he was hit by a pitch.

• Duquette: 7 potential trade destinations for Machado

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports, Philadelphia -- with several front-office executives having been with Baltimore when Machado was drafted -- would love to add the superstar third baseman, but the question remains whether the Phillies will be a contender as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline nears.

Royals shift focus to trading Moustakas after Herrera deal
June 21: After a trade that sent closer Kelvin Herrera to the Nationals, the Royals are now shifting their focus to moving third baseman Mike Moustakas, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

Moustakas is on a one-year deal with Kansas City that includes a mutual option for 2019. He's having a solid season, slashing .263/.319/.480 with 14 home runs after belting a career-high 38 in 2017, though he has been slumping of late. Moustakas has played his entire eight-year career with the Royals.

Video: MLB Tonight on Herrera being traded to the Nats

Padres a potential trade suitor for Machado?
June 21: The list of potential trade destinations for Orioles shortstop Manny Machado could surprisingly include San Diego, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for FanRag Sports.

The Padres have certainly shown a willingness to make bold moves during general manager A.J. Preller's tenure, trading for Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Craig Kimbrel prior to the 2015 season and signing Eric Hosmer to a club-record $144 million, eight-year contract in February 2018. And with the No. 1 farm system in baseball, per MLB Pipeline's preseason rankings, the Padres certainly have a prospect group that will entice the Orioles.

Video: Morosi discusses Machado trade possibilities and more

A trade between the Padres and Orioles remains unlikely, however, as San Diego is in last place in the National League West and would have little chance of re-signing Machado after this season, given their sizable commitment to Hosmer and Machado's preference to remain at shortstop long term. San Diego's top prospect is shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.

Per Heyman, a Padres source downplayed the possibility of a Machado deal and said the club is simply doing its "due diligence."

Phillies a potential landing spot for Beltre
June 21: With J.P. Crawford set to miss 4-6 weeks due to a fractured left hand and both Maikel Franco and Scott Kingery carrying sub-.700 OPS marks, the Phillies will likely look to acquire a veteran to upgrade the left side of their infield, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

While the Phillies have long been linked to the Orioles' Manny Machado, Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre is another option the club could pursue, per Morosi.

• Morosi: Hot market for hot corner

Beltre will be a free agent after this season, making him a prime candidate to be moved by the Rangers, who are in last place in the American League West and sit 15 games behind in the race for the second Wild Card spot.

Video: Phillies GM Klentak talks bullpen, Trade Deadline

Beltre has spent substantial time on the disabled list with various leg injuries over the past two years, but he remains a productive hitter. Over 45 games this season, the 39-year-old owns a .302/.357/.428 slash line.

And while the Rangers have used Beltre as the designated hitter more often lately, the five-time Gold Glove Award winner can still handle himself at the hot corner. In 32 games at third base this season, Beltre has recorded three defensive runs saved.

Of course, Beltre has a full no-trade clause, and it remains to be seen if he'll waive it to join a contender.

Red Sox looking to upgrade bullpen; Hand an option?
June 20: The Red Sox are interested in bolstering their relief corps, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, and Padres closer Brad Hand may be a target for the club.

However, San Diego's asking price for Hand could be prohibitive. Per Morosi, the Padres are expected to seek a young everyday player, such as Rafael Devers, in exchange for the left-hander.

Hand, who has a National League-leading 21 saves with a 2.43 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP this season, is signed through 2020 with a team option for 2021, so the Padres are in no rush to deal him.

Boston has the sixth-best bullpen ERA (3.17) in the Majors, but the club's 'pen lacks depth with Carson Smith out for the season following shoulder surgery and Steven Wright currently starting in place of the injured Drew Pomeranz (left biceps tendinitis).

Video: DeRo discusses his Top 5 trade candidates

O's, D-backs have talked Machado trade
June 19: The Orioles and D-backs have engaged in discussions regarding a potential trade for Manny Machado, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, and dialogue remains open between the two clubs.

Morosi described the trade talks as "due diligence on Arizona's part as the team's needs become clear." The two clubs also reportedly discussed a Machado trade this past offseason. Arizona currently holds the top spot in the National League West, but the second-place Dodgers narrowed the gap when they defeated the Cubs in Game 1 of a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon.

It's unclear whether the D-backs are interested in acquiring Machado to play shortstop or third base.

The 25-year-old would be an offensive upgrade over starting third baseman Jake Lamb and shortstop Nick Ahmed, as he's hitting .310 with 18 homers, 53 RBIs and a .945 OPS over 69 games for the Orioles in 2018 and owns a lifetime 118 wRC+.

But Machado has struggled defensively in his first season as the O's primary shortstop, recording -15 defensive runs saved (DRS). Ahmed, meanwhile, has notched six DRS. Machado has proven to be a stellar defender at the hot corner in the past, posting 81 DRS as a third baseman during his career and winning two AL Gold Glove Awards at the position.

Video: MLB Tonight on the D-backs' interest in Machado

Yanks, M's looking to acquire Happ
June 18: As the Yankees and Mariners have emerged as true contenders in the American League pennant race, so, too, have their roster voids -- specifically within their starting rotations. Both clubs are believed to be in the market for an available arm over the next six weeks, and MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reported on Monday that each is interested in Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ.

In the midst of an All-Star-caliber season, Happ has a 3.48 ERA over 82 2/3 innings in 14 starts. He is in the final year of a three-year, $36 million contract, and due to his lingering free agency, he might not be as costly a return in what is shaping up to be a thin trade market for starters.

Both Seattle and New York have gotten above-average production from their starting staffs, though each has shown signs of vulnerability.

Video: Morosi on potential trade fits for J.A. Happ

Beyond AL Cy Young Award candidate Luis Severino, the Yankees have gotten inconsistent results from Sonny Gray and Masahiro Tanaka, Jordan Montgomery was lost for the season because of Tommy John surgery and Domingo German hasn't yet exhibited enough to warrant the fifth spot for good. CC Sabathia has been reliable, when healthy. To complement their elite offense and lights-out bullpen, the Yankees have long been speculated to retool their rotation ahead of the Deadline.

Morosi noted that the Yankees might have more incentive to go after a lefty given that the division-rival Red Sox have an MLB-best .813 OPS against righties but only a .672 mark against southpaws. In addition to their 13 regular-season meetings remaining, there's a strong chance the Yankees could go through Boston in the postseason.

The Mariners' rotation has also proven to be top heavy, with arguably the AL's best starter in James Paxton. However, No. 2 starter Felix Hernandez has struggled to a career-worst 5.44 ERA, and he has given up five or more earned runs in five of his 15 starts. No. 5 starter Wade LeBlanc has been a pleasant surprise, but at 33 years old, there have been questions about his sustainability.

In a loaded AL East, Toronto entered 2018 with its most realistic avenue to the postseason via an AL Wild Card berth, but it entered Monday 12 1/2 games back of the second AL's spot. The Jays are 32-38 despite winning seven of their last 10, including sweeps of the Nationals and Orioles.

MILWAUKEE -- Tempers flared briefly during the eighth inning of the Brewers' 2-1 victory over the Cardinals on Friday night at Miller Park, after Yairo Munoz and Eric Sogard traded words following a play at second base. But after the game, both characterized the incident as a misunderstanding.

"We got caught up in the moment," Munoz said. "He didn't say anything [bad] at all. I just want to leave it at that."

"The first words that came out of my mouth were, 'Are you all right?'" Sogard said. "I don't know if he understood what I was saying, but he got a little mad and I guess we both got a little fired up."

Video: STL@MIL: Sogard, Counsell on slide in 8th inning

With the score tied at 1, Munoz and Sogard collided when Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks threw to second after fielding an attempted sacrifice bunt by Hernan Perez. Hicks fired to get the lead runner, but his throw led Munoz into Sogard, who slid into the base and was out on the play. Teammates of both players rushed onto the field in the moments that followed, and the conflict fizzled shortly after. No one was ejected.

"The ball just took me into where he was coming," Munoz said. "I don't think [the slide] was inappropriate or anything."

It was an important play in the flow of the game. Hicks took a chance throwing to second, and it proved large when he walked Christian Yelich two batters later to set up a two-on, two-out situation for Lorenzo Cain. Hicks struck out Cain to strand the potential go-ahead run at second. The Brewers won an inning later when Jesus Aguilar walked it off with a solo home run off Bud Norris, largely overshadowing the spark of fireworks that came before.

"It was just kind of a heat of the moment thing," Sogard said. "I'm glad it didn't escalate into anything further."

PITTSBURGH -- As he slipped on his collared shirt, hair still damp from his shower, outfielder David Peralta summed up the long night he and his D-backs teammates just experienced.

"We're really tired," Peralta said. "But we'll be back here early tomorrow, ready to go."

You can't blame the D-backs for being spent after riding an emotional roller coaster during a 2-1 win in 13 innings over the Pirates on Friday night at PNC Park.

The game went from a taut pitchers' duel, where neither team could score through the first 10 innings, to the D-backs taking the lead in the 11th, only to see the Pirates tie the game.

Video: ARI@PIT: Lamb scores on a throwing error in the 11th

"These guys are tough and they compete," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said of his team. "They showed that toughness tonight for several moments. Our backs were squarely against the wall."

Ketel Marte was the hero in the end, delivering a two-out single to center in the 13th off Tyler Glasnow to score Jon Jay from second.

Marte knew that Glasnow threw hard, but during his seven-pitch at-bat, he saw just two fastballs from the right-hander. With a 3-2 count, Glasnow threw an 84 mph breaking ball that Marte just got a piece of and that catcher Elias Diaz couldn't grab.

Video: ARI@PIT: Lovullo discusses Marte's go-ahead single

"He throws hard," Marte said. "I was just trying to be short with my swing and get a good pitch in the zone. In that situation, I was just trying to put the ball in play. I was just trying to put the ball in play, stay short. He throws 98. I was just looking for the fastball every time, and if you're waiting for the fastball every time from the guy who throws 98, you're going to see the breaking ball really good."

Glasnow came back with another breaking ball, and this time Marte hit it squarely into center.

Marte has turned his season around at the plate since his average fell to .212 on May 27. After Friday's game, it was up to .244, and he has 15 extra-base hits over that stretch.

"He's such a gifted player," Lovullo said. "He's in a very good spot right now, on both sides of the ball. You can see what he's doing defensively. He grinded through that at-bat. He had not a perfect day at the plate up to that point, and he put all that aside for one great moment and he came through in a big way for us."

Video: ARI@PIT: Marte knocks down grounder, recovers for out

Though they were long gone by the time the game was decided, D-backs starter Patrick Corbin and Pirates right-hander Ivan Nova engaged in quite the pitchers' duel.

Corbin fanned a career-high-tying 12 in seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and no walks.

While not able to match him in the strikeout category, Nova was every bit as effective, allowing just three hits over eight innings. He also did not allow a walk.

"That was one of the classic Patrick outings for me," Lovullo said. "He was driving his fastball on both sides of the plate which set up his secondary stuff. He had a swing-and-miss slider at the bottom of the zone."

Video: ARI@PIT: Corbin fans 12 over 7 scoreless innings

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Chafin gets him: Left-hander Andrew Chafin started the 12th for the D-backs and after striking out the first two batters, he got into a jam when Gregory Polanco blooped a single to left and moved to second when pinch-hitter Josh Bell drew a walk. Chafin, though, was able to get Josh Harrison to pop out to second base to send the game to the 13th where the D-backs would prevail.

SOUND SMART
Corbin is the 10th pitcher this year to get at least 25 swinging strikes in a game, and the first D-backs pitcher to do it since Zack Greinke on May 27, 2017. Corbin got 21 of them on sliders, which is the most in a game by anyone since Tyson Ross on June 20, 2015.

BOXBERGER STILL CLOSING
The D-backs turned a 1-0 lead over to closer Brad Boxberger in the 11th, but for the second straight time, the right-hander was unable to convert the save, as he walked three (one intentionally) during the inning. Lovullo said after the game that Boxberger was still his closer and emphasized the job he did of getting out of the bases-loaded, one-out jam after the run had scored.

Video: ARI@PIT: Boxberger leaves the bases loaded in 11th

"It's minimal concern for me," Lovullo said. "I know he didn't do it today and I know he's had a couple tough outings, but it's a very difficult game. You get nicked up at times, you've got to come back and fight through those moments of doubt. I think he did that today after creating an inning and wiggling out of the situation. I think that was a good moment for him."

UP NEXT
The D-backs continue their four-game series with the Pirates with a 1:05 p.m. MST game on Saturday at PNC Park. Greinke gets the start for the D-backs, riding a stretch where he has won three of his last four starts, including last time out against the Angels, when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings. In his career at PNC Park, Greinke is 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA. Greinke's lone loss lately came against the Pirates earlier this month at Chase Field. Joe Musgrove starts for Pittsburgh.