With both leagues being completely full of talent, it may be difficult to see whether the AL or NL has the edge headed into San Diego. But if you look at all facets of the game, you can see some areas where one league or the other stands out.
2016 Draft: Signing and Bonus Tracker
A complete breakdown of which 2016 Draft picks from the first 10 rounds have agreed to terms, along with their reported bonuses and starting assignments.
Crisp serves 1-game ban for ump incident
A’s outfielder Coco Crisp has received a one-game suspension for his actions in Thursday’s 3-1 win over the Astros, during which he intentionally threw his bat in the direction of home-plate umpire D.J. Reyburn.
Candelario happy to sacrifice Futures Game
Jeimer Candelario is very happy to be in Pittsburgh this weekend. Candelario was picked to play in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in San Diego, but then he was promoted to the Cubs. Given a choice between a Minor League All-Star Game or the big leagues, he’ll take the latter.
Start of Nationals-Mets game delayed by rain
Friday’s showdown between Noah Syndergaard and Stephen Strasburg will need to wait for Mother Nature to cooperate. With a light rain falling at Citi Field leading up to Friday’s scheduled 7:10 p.m. ET start between the Mets and Nationals, grounds crew members kept the tarp on the field even as first pitch approached. The game is scheduled to start at 7:45.
Angels could activate Soto this weekend
The Angels could get a boost this weekend with the return of catcher Geovany Soto.
Red Sox trade for utility man Martinez
For the second straight day, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made a move to strengthen the bench.
Cubs sign third-round Draft pick Hatch
The Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Thomas Hatch, the team’s third-round pick in the 2016 Draft. Overall, the Cubs have signed 21 selections in advance of the July 15 signing deadline.
Skaggs expected to rejoin Angels’ rotation soon
Left-hander Tyler Skaggs, once touted as one of the game’s top prospects, appears to be on track to rejoin the Angels’ rotation this season.
Ausmus sticking to rest plan with veteran K-Rod
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has a set of rules with his closer, Francisco Rodriguez. Ausmus does not bring Rodriguez into a tie game on the road in the ninth inning, or extra innings for that matter. He does not necessarily have to get Rodriguez into a game once every few days, as Jim Leyland used to do with his closer. And, at least for now, Ausmus does not want to bring in Rodriguez for a four-out save.
Pirates promote Bell, option Glasnow to Minors
Josh Bell, Pittsburgh’s No. 3 prospect and 43rd overall per MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday to serve as a bat off the bench, according to manager Clint Hurdle. To make room for Bell on the 25-man active roster, the Pirates optioned right-hander Tyler Glasnow to Indianapolis.
Blue Jays fill out bench with Burns, option Hutchison
The Blue Jays added some versatility to their bench by recalling utility man Andy Burns from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday afternoon. Right-hander Drew Hutchison was optioned to the Minor Leagues to make room for Burns on the 25-man roster. The move had been expected after Hutchison made a spot start in Thursday night’s 5-4 victory over the Tigers.
At 43, Colon is an All-Star again
Bartolo Colon is going to the All-Star Game. The 43-year-old Mets right-hander was added to the National League roster on Friday. It will be his fourth All-Star Game.
Padres agree to sign Morejon for $11 million
The Padres have been busy since the international signing period began Saturday, and their latest international acquisition is their biggest to date.
Gallo, Mazara once met fallen Dallas cop
“I’ll never forget how kind and down to Earth he was.”
Harvey to have season-ending surgery
Matt Harvey will undergo season-ending surgery to resolve his thoracic outlet syndrome, the Mets confirmed on Friday.
Final Vote sends Saunders, Belt to ASG
Giants first baseman Brandon Belt and Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders will be first-time All-Stars via the 2016 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote, after 72 hours of breathtaking fan balloting and lead changes to decide the last roster spots for the 87th All-Star Game presented by MasterCard on Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego.