news

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.

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.

Thanks to the mashing of Martinez, the Red Sox were able to offset the monster performance by Cruz, who hammered two three-run homers against knuckleballer Steven Wright as part of a 4-for-5, 7-RBI performance.

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.

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.

In the eighth, 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.

Wright endured one of the worst starts of his career, surrendering four runs in the top of the first and a total l of 10 earned runs over 3 ⅓ 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.

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.

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays rode six relievers to hold the Yankees' big bats in check en route to a 2-1 win Friday night at Tropicana Field.

Using their unconventional bullpen strategy, the Rays started Ryne Stanek, who set the tone by escaping a first-inning jam before handing off to Ryan Yarbrough in the second. And four more followed, culminating with Sergio Romo, who got the final three outs of the game.

The win couldn't have come at a better time for the Rays after they went 2-5 on their recent road trip to New York and Houston to play the Yankees and Astros.

Playing in his first game since getting activated from the disabled list, Daniel Robertson doubled off CC Sabathia with one out in the fourth. After Carlos Gomez got hit by a pitch, Willy Adames singled home Robertson to drive in the first run of the game. Tampa Bay added to its lead in the fifth on C.J. Cron's sacrifice fly that scored Matt Duffy.

New York pushed across a run in the seventh on Aaron Judge's single to right off Chaz Roe that cut the lead to 2-1.

BOSTON -- Nelson Cruz hit the longest homer by a Mariner this season in the first inning Friday night at Fenway Park. Then for good measure, he hit another clear out of the stadium.

But Cruz's four-hit, seven-RBI night wasn't enough to save Seattle from its fifth consecutive loss as the Red Sox rallied from a five-run deficit for a 14-10 victory in a wild series opener.

It was the second time the Mariners have blown a five-run lead on this East Coast road trip, which started with a three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees and now has gotten off to an ill-fated start against Boston's big bats. Seattle fell to 46-30 with the loss, while Boston remained second to the Yankees in the AL East at 51-26.

Cruz went 4-for-4 with seven RBIs, including two home runs that combined for 908 feet, per Statcast™. Cruz's first homer was a 465-footer off a light tower above the Green Monster in left-center field, a three-run shot to give Seattle the early lead in a four-run first off knuckleballer Steven Wright.

Video: SEA@BOS: Cruz crushes a 3-run homer to left-center

After the Red Sox answered with five runs in the bottom of the first off Wade LeBlanc, Cruz tallied his second go-ahead hit of the night in the second inning with an RBI single for a 6-5 lead. Then the 37-year-old slugger jolted one last Wright pitch out of the stadium in left field with his second three-run homer, a projected 443-foot blast per Statcast™ in the fourth.

Cruz's seven RBIs in a game were one shy of the club record of eight set by Alvin Davis in 1986, Mike Blowers in '95 and Mike Cameron in '01. Cruz's career high for RBIs in a game is also eight, done twice while with Texas.

Just six days after Wright and LeBlanc combined to allow just one run on seven hits over 14 2/3 innings in a 1-0 Mariners win at Safeco Field, the two allowed 21 hits and 16 runs in a combined eight innings.

LeBlanc departed with a 10-6 advantage with two out in the fifth, but the Red Sox tallied three runs off James Pazos and Nick Vincent in the sixth, then regained the lead with five runs off Juan Nicasio in the seventh.

Cruz wasn't the only one cranking long balls as Ryon Healy belted a prodigious solo shot of his own, projected at 441 feet, as part of the four-run first inning. But the Red Sox more than made up for that with J.D. Martinez leading a 20-hit attack as he went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and five RBIs.

NEW YORK -- Cody Bellinger slugged his second career grand slam and Alex Wood pitched six solid innings as the Dodgers beat the Mets on Friday night, 5-2, at Citi Field.

Until Bellinger's sixth-inning blast, Wood and Zack Wheeler of the Mets were hooked up in a scoreless duel. But Wheeler walked Joc Pederson and Max Muncy to lead off the sixth, and Matt Kemp flared a one-out single to right field to bring up Bellinger.

Grand slams mean 40% off pizza

On an 0-2 fastball, Bellinger crushed a 401-footer into the upper deck in right field with a 108.7 mph exit velocity and a 32-degree launch angle, according to Statcast™.

It was Bellinger's 13th home run and gave him 36 RBIs. Bellinger set a National League rookie record last year with 39 home runs and won the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

The Mets answered right back with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, when Michael Conforto singled and Jose Bautista slugged his first Mets homer. Yasiel Puig provided the Dodgers insurance with a solo home run in the ninth inning, his ninth of the season.

Video: LAD@NYM: Wood retires Frazier, strands a pair in 5th

Both defenses pulled off run-saving gems to keep the game scoreless through five. In the top of the third with two out and Enrique Hernandez on third base, Pederson's drive to left-center was snagged with a lay-out dive from Conforto.

And in the bottom of the fifth, with two out and Mets on first and second, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner short-hopped Todd Frazier's sharp grounder and threw him out at first.

Wood (3-5) also escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the second inning for his second consecutive winning start. Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth inning for his 19th save.

The Dodgers have won their past 10 games against the Mets.

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.

The Manny Machado Watch continues to dominate all conversation surrounding the trade market, but as the calendar inches closer to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, a big bullpen arm moved this week -- a possible sign of things to come.

MLB Buzz: Catch up on the latest trade chatter

Kansas City dealt closer Kelvin Herrera to Washington on Monday, giving the Nationals an All-Star-caliber arm to pair with Sean Doolittle at the back end of the bullpen. Last week, we cited relievers Herrera, Zach Britton, Brad Brach and Shane Greene as some of the players whose trade stock was rising, so who has seen their value increase during the past seven days?

Manny Machado, Orioles
Machado certainly hasn't let the trade speculation bother him on the field, where he continues to produce as one of the league's best hitters. The shortstop hit safely in five of six games this week, leaving him with a .304/.369/.554 slash line. The biggest question remains whether any team will step up and pay the steep price being asked by the Orioles for their franchise player and impending free agent.
Potential fits: Phillies, Cardinals

Adam Jones, Orioles
Machado might be getting most of the attention in Baltimore these days, but Jones -- a five-time All-Star and longtime face of the franchise -- has been swinging a hot bat in June (.328/.375/.418), and he might be attractive to a team looking for both a productive outfielder and veteran presence. The 32-year-old is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Potential fit: D-backs

Video: OAK@SD: Lowrie cranks a 2-run jack to right field

Jed Lowrie, A's
The versatile Oakland infielder is having a strong offensive season -- his 11 home runs and 47 RBIs are putting him on a pace to set career highs in both categories. Lowrie, 34, has played primarily at second base this season, though he's capable of moving around the infield wherever he's needed. Lowrie could be the ultimate utility player/insurance policy for any contender.
Potential fits: D-backs, Braves

Joakim Soria, White Sox
After suffering through a difficult May, Soria regained the closer's job for the White Sox, and he has been nearly perfect in June, going 6-for-6 in save opportunities while not allowing a run in nine appearances. He won't be a ninth-inning option for many contenders, but the 34-year-old would add late-inning depth to most bullpens.
Potential fits: Astros, Cardinals

Video: TEX@KC: Statcast™ measures Choo's 49-degree leadoff HR

Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers
Choo turns 36 next month, but while his best days are behind him, the outfielder/DH has shown this season that he can still hit, already launching 13 home runs. Choo's OPS is .919 against right-handers, making him an ideal platoon option for an American League team that has the ability to play him at DH and in the corner outfield spots. Choo has been on fire this month, with his June OPS sitting at 1.054 entering the weekend.
Potential fits: Angels, Twins

Darren O'Day, Orioles
Britton and Brach are obvious trade candidates thanks to their expiring contracts, but the Orioles would probably love to shed O'Day's contract this summer. The right-hander is owed about $5 million over the rest of this season and another $9 million in 2019. He's been excellent since returning from the DL less than two weeks ago, throwing four scoreless innings while giving up one hit with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Potential fits: Giants, Indians

Jurickson Profar, Rangers
The onetime No. 1 prospect in all of baseball, Profar's career hasn't lived up to expectations. The 25-year-old filled in admirably for Elvis Andrus during the starting shortstop's stint on the DL, and Profar has already set career bests with eight homers and 41 RBIs thanks to a strong performance this month. However, Andrus' return leaves Profar as a man without a position. Texas plans to keep Profar in the lineup by moving him around the diamond, but with Andrus and second baseman Rougned Odor firmly planted at their respective positions, the Rangers could deal Profar to address another area on their roster.
Potential fits: D-backs, Phillies

Video: TEX@KC: Hamels strikes out 7, allows 0 earned over 7

Cole Hamels, Rangers
Hamels posted another strong start this week, holding the Royals to one unearned run over seven innings. That outing lowered his ERA to 3.41, while his seven strikeouts kept his ratio at one per inning for the year. Hamels remains one of the few proven starters with postseason experience on the market, and with a number of teams looking to add an arm to the rotation, the Rangers are in a good position to deal.
Potential fits: Yankees, Brewers

J.A. Happ, Blue Jays
Happ continues to be one of the more intriguing names on the trade market, though the Blue Jays haven't committed to selling just yet. Happ is 5-0 with a 2.35 ERA over his past seven outings, holding hitters to a .155 batting average and a .469 OPS in those starts. The 35-year-old is owed about $7 million over the rest of the season, but he's set to become a free agent this fall, making him a strong rental candidate.
Potential fits: Yankees, Mariners

Video: OAK@SD: Treinen K's the side to earn the save in 10th

Blake Treinen, A's
It was only 11 months ago that the Nationals dealt Treinen to Oakland as part of the deal for Doolittle and Ryan Madson, giving up on their onetime closer after a dreadful first half that saw him struggle to the tune of a 5.73 ERA. But the 29-year-old has been simply brilliant this season, successfully converting 16 of 17 save opportunities, including each of his past 15. Treinen has a 1.03 ERA, a sub-1.000 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 35 innings. With a modest $2.15 million salary and two more years of club control, Treinen could be a sought-after bullpen arm in the coming weeks.
Potential fits: Indians, Astros

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said he plans to compete in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby in his home confines at Nationals Park on July 16, but on one very specific, and potentially uncertain, condition: He'll only take part if he's named a National League All-Star.

"So count me in for the Derby if and only if I make the team," Harper said in a text message to the Washington Post on Friday. "But if I do I will be a participant in the 2018 HR Derby."

Harper's participation in the marquee event has been an intriguing possibility, as Harper hasn't taken part in the Derby since his sophomore season in 2013, when he reached the final round and finished as runner-up to Yoenis Cespedes at Citi Field. Because the event this year will be held in Washington -- which was announced during his NL MVP Award-winning season in 2015 -- Harper has mentioned over the past three years that he'd likely make his Derby resurfacing this year.

• VOTE: 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Ballot

Harper was in second among outfielders in the NL All-Star ballot update that was released by Major League Baseball on Monday, though he fell behind Braves right fielder Nick Markakis after topping all outfielders in the first ballot update. Harper has struggled to a .213/.352/.469 line through the first 2 1/2 months of the season, but he does lead the NL with 19 homers.

Many slugging superstars, such as the past two Derby champs, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, have said that they will not participate this year, leaving some urgency for Harper to compete.

WASHINGTON -- The Phillies rode one of the league's hottest offenses into their series against the Nationals this weekend, with the middle of their lineup -- Odubel Herrera, Rhys Hoskins and Carlos Santana -- as dangerous as any trio in baseball.

Philadelphia belted three home runs in its 12-2 win over Washington at Nationals Park on Friday night. The Phillies are tied with the Nationals for second place in the National League East and for the second NL Wild Card.

The Phillies kept up their recent offensive pace against a division rival in a series that is as important as any set of games in June.

Herrera continued to torch baseballs, finishing 4-for-5 and becoming the sixth player in Phillies history to homer in five consecutive games. In addition to Herrera, Cesar Hernandez, Santana, Nick Williams and Andrew Knapp notched multiple hits. Since June 14, the Phils are hitting .290.

Santana, who rebounded from hitting .153 in April, opened the scoring with a two-run single in the first inning. Zach Eflin, who entered Friday with a 1.93 ERA in June, allowed his only two runs in the second inning, and the offense continued to support him as the right-hander claimed his fourth consecutive win.

Herrera knocked his two-run dinger in the third inning to give the Phillies a 4-2 lead. After Santana helped start another two-run rally in the fifth inning, the 32-year-old knocked a two-run homer in the sixth inning to push the Philadelphia lead to 8-2.

ANAHEIM -- Blue Jays reliever Roberto Osuna has been issued a 75-game suspension without pay that will run through Aug. 4 for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement late Friday afternoon. The suspension is retroactive to May 8, which is when Osuna was placed on administrative leave after he was charged with assault in Toronto. Osuna has agreed not to appeal the disciplinary action.

The Blue Jays issued a statement saying they "support the decision by the Commissioner's Office" to suspend Osuna and that the club will not be making any further comments at this time. Per the terms in MLB's policy, Osuna will participate in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program supervised by the Joint Policy Board.

"My office has completed its investigation into the allegation that Roberto Osuna violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy on May 8, 2018," Manfred said in a statement. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Osuna violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will expire on August 4th."

Osuna has been away from the Blue Jays since he was charged with assault. On Monday, his lawyer, Domenic Basile, was in a Toronto courtroom for a brief preliminary hearing, and a judge later adjourned his case until July 9. Basile said his client intended to plead not guilty and that he would be meeting with the crown attorney to discuss how the next couple of weeks will unfold.

According to Basile, Osuna has been working out in Florida while he has been away on an administrative leave. Osuna was released on bail shortly after his arrest in May, and as part of the bail conditions he was ordered to abstain from communicating directly or indirectly with the alleged victim.

"You take what MLB does, trust that and live with it," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "Let everything go through its course. You knew something was coming down. ... Hopefully that all gets worked out, both sides, and everybody gets the help they need and everything works out fine for all involved."

ANAHEIM -- Shohei Ohtani was spotted in the Angels' bullpen on Friday afternoon, though he was getting some work in at the plate, not on the mound.

Ohtani, who is on the disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, stood in on right-hander Felix Pena's bullpen session to see some live pitching as he waits to see whether the stem-cell and platelet-rich plasma injections he received on June 7 will take hold in his injured elbow.

"The one thing I think you lose when you're not hitting and you sit down for a while is just the training of your eyes on velocity," manager Mike Scioscia said. "This helps him when he gets to a certain stage to be able to see the ball and just make it a little smoother transition when he's able to go out there and hit."

Ohtani has not yet been cleared to swing with both hands, but the left-handed hitter has been taking one-armed swings in the batting cages and running to maintain his leg strength. Scioscia said Ohtani is scheduled to be re-evaluated next Thursday.

"We're hoping for [no restrictions] as far as hitting, but we don't know," Scioscia said.

Given Ohtani's unique situation as a two-way player, it's possible Ohtani could return as a batter even if he's not yet ready to pitch. Before landing on the disabled list, Ohtani was hitting .289 with a .907 OPS and six home runs in 129 plate appearances for the Angels.

Video: Must C Conclusion: Ohtani, Simmons, Calhoun huge 9th

Skaggs' next start still TBA
Left-hander Tyler Skaggs, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Thursday with right hamstring tightness, will be evaluated after throwing a bullpen session on Saturday before the Angels determine when he'll slide back into the rotation. The Angels have not yet announced a starter for Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays, but Pena could pitch on normal rest if Skaggs needs more time to recover.

"We know he's definitely a step closer," Scioscia said. "He feels very good today. He threw long toss and feels good. We're not exactly sure where he's going to fold in. There's still some hurdles he needs to get over before we see exactly where he's going to fold in, but we'll get a lot more information after his 'pen tomorrow."

McGuire recalled, Paredes optioned
The Angels recalled right-hander Deck McGuire from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned right-hander Eduardo Paredes on Friday. McGuire, 28, allowed six runs over 8 1/3 innings (6.48 ERA) in four outings for the Blue Jays this season before he was designated for assignment. After a brief stint in the Rangers' system, McGuire was designated for assignment for a second time and traded to the Angels in exchange for cash considerations on Tuesday.

"He's a fresh arm, for sure," Scioscia said. "We've run through our bullpen a lot. The guys are doing a terrific job like they did last night, and he'll be a fresh arm that can help us in whatever role comes up tonight."

Injury updates
• Right-hander Garrett Richards (left hamstring strain) is inching closer to throwing off the mound and said he thinks he'll need to make a rehab start before returning from the disabled list.

"I'm just assuming," Richards said. "That's the way things have always gone. Obviously, we'll wait and see what they have planned. We're just going to go over some stuff for the next week or so and see where we're at."

• Outfielder Chris Young, who has not played since Tuesday because of hamstring injury, took batting practice on Friday and will be available off the bench against the Blue Jays, according to Scioscia.

ST. PETERSBURG -- Yankees right fielder Giancarlo Stanton made a fantastic leaping grab up against the wall in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Rays to help CC Sabathia get out of a potentially sticky situation.

With two men on and no outs in the bottom of the fifth, Rays slugger C.J. Cron, having hit two very long foul balls on the previous two pitches, took a hanging slider from Sabathia toward the opposite field. Stanton, who got the start in right field on Friday in place of Aaron Judge, tracked the line drive off the bat.

Taking flight at the warning track, Stanton made the leaping catch as he crashed into the wall.

Although Matt Duffy was able to come in to score on the sacrifice fly -- giving the Rays a 2-0 lead -- a strong throw by Stanton was able to keep Wilson Ramos from advancing to second on the play. The next batter, Jake Bauers, grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.