Astros farmhand Mitch Lambson entered in the first inning and retired six of the seven batters he face for the Salt River Rafters, who took control with a five-run fifth inning Wednesday night against the Scottsdale Scorpions.

The Cubs’ best hope for a front-line starter from their farm system is right-hander C.J. Edwards, who is making up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League while seeking a third go-to pitch to accompany a low-90s fastball and curve.

Indians slugger Nick Swisher was joined by former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Carl Thompson as recipients of the second annual Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, which was presented on Wednesday night at the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Steve Foster says he wants to “breathe life” into pitchers, the way people like the Rockies’ director of pitching operations Mark Wiley, (who worked with him with the Marlins), Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild and Royals GM Dayton Moore did for him at various points.

Mark Appel, the Astros’ top pitching prospect, is 1-0 with a 3.43 ERA in the Arizona Fall League and is slated to start Thursday night at 8:35 ET/6:35 MT, with live coverage on MLB.com and MLB Network.

The Angels made two trades on Wednesday. Backup catcher Hank Conger was sent to the Astros for young starter Nick Tropeano and Minor League catcher Carlos Perez. Pitching prospect Mark Sappington was then sent to the Rays in exchange for 30-year-old southpaw Cesar Ramos.

Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia, who already sports an impressive baseball resume and trophy case, was inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame on Wednesday night at Scottsdale Stadium.

The Dodgers received permission on Wednesday to interview Padres scouting director Billy Gasparino, a baseball source told MLB.com. Gasparino, 37, is viewed in the industry as a rising star of sorts. His interview with the Dodgers could come as soon as Wednesday night.

There’s a good chance a prospect from Jeff Luhnow’s first Draft (2012) as general manager of the Astros will reach the Major Leagues next season, and outfielder Andrew Aplin — a fifth-round pick out of Arizona State — could beat them all to Houston.

Russell Martin received the 2014 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award at catcher on Wednesday for his splendid play behind the plate for the Pirates.

Former player and broadcaster Mark Grace is eager to turn the page as the D-backs’ new assistant hitting coach.

Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was recognized as the overall Wilson Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday night. Heyward and shortstop Andrelton Simmons both were honored as Defensive Player of the Year at their respective positions.

Handed out since 2012, the Wilson Defensive Player of The Year Award winners were unveiled live on MLB Network on Wednesday night. The awards cover the best defensive players in the Majors at each position as well as the best defensive team, as determined by a formula that balances scouting information, sabermetric analysis and basic fielding statistics. Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was named the overall Defensive Player of the Year, and the Cincinnati Reds claimed Defensive Team of the Year honors.

Livan Hernandez said recently he would like to become a full-time employee for the Nationals. He is known as an ambassador for the club and was last seen at Nationals Park in July. This past season, he threw batting practice to the team’s position players and gave advice to some of the pitchers.

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez and third baseman Juan Uribe of the Dodgers were each named Wilson Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday.

The Rays have traded left-hander Cesar Ramos to the Angels for Minor League right-hander Mark Sappington. Sappington is not on the 40-man roster, so that puts the Rays at 39.

While the Braves will do their due diligence by examining what is available on the free-agent market, they will likely place a greater focus on the trade market, which will determine the financial flexibility they have to strengthen their starting rotation and address their other needs.