A’s president and GM Billy Beane was willing to deal his top two prospects to the Cubs for starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel because he believes he has a team that can compete for a World Series title.

Jaime Garcia, out with what was considered a shoulder problem, admitted Saturday he is dealing with nerve issues and was strongly considering surgery. That was news to Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, who after learning of Garcia’s comments, held an impromptu session with reporters shortly before first pitch to announce that the lefty would meet with Dr. Robert Thompson in St. Louis on Monday as a precursor to season-ending surgery.

Giants center fielder Angel Pagan probably won’t return from his strained lower back until shortly after the All-Star break at the earliest, manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Friday.

Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko, who’s been on the disabled list since June 6 with plantar fasciitis, will likely resume hitting in the cage this weekend, and next week, first baseman Yonder Alonso will swing a bat for the first time since succumbing to right wrist tendinitis and heading to the DL on June 19.

The Yankees scored six times in the first two innings before holding on for a 6-5 win over the Twins on Friday at Target Field.

As fans make their way into Target Field, they enter through gates named after Twins legends. But Twins fans are almost as likely to see living legends at the park, and they will be involved in every aspect of the All-Star Week festivities later this month.

A.J. Burnett’s return to Pittsburgh — albeit in the colors of the visiting Phillies — gave Burnett a chance to reflect on his two seasons with the Pirates.

Chicago knocked Washington starter Tanner Roark around for nine hits and four runs, all of which came in the first five innings, and cruised to a 7-2 Independence Day victory over Washington at Nationals Park behind a strong outing by right-hander Jason Hammel.

Former All-Star closer Neftali Feliz is back in the Majors after being called up on Friday. The Rangers needed a fresh arm in the bullpen, and Feliz was the best available at Round Rock.

Josh Donaldson has started all but five of Oakland’s 86 games this season, and while manager Bob Melvin is certainly happy to have his slugger healthy, he thought Donaldson could benefit from some rest before the All-Star break, anyway.

Edwin Encarnacion made a pair of starts in the outfield this week to make room for Adam Lind at first base and Jose Bautista at DH. Bautista has been unable to play the field while he recovers from a minor strain in his left hamstring.

The Twins paid tribute to Lou Gehrig on Friday, the 75th anniversary of his “Luckiest Man” speech, by playing a special video on the stadium’s big screen.

Chris Colabello got his first start Friday since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, as he served as the designated hitter against the Yankees.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Friday that it’s “probably fair to say” CC Sabathia could miss the remainder of the season.

The Giants have activated first baseman Brandon Belt from the disabled list in time for Friday’s game against the Padres

The Red Sox got a rare July 4 off-day after Friday’s game against the Orioles was postponed due to inclement weather associated with Tropical Storm Arthur. The teams will play a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park on Saturday, with Game 1 at 1:05 p.m. ET, and the regularly scheduled game serving as the 7:15 p.m. nightcap.

On this Fourth of July, the Brewers are sitting pretty. That’s 86 consecutive days alone atop the National League Central, if you’re counting. The Brewers are the best example of baseball’s changing landscape. Competitive balance rules.