The Dodgers will sign Vanderbilt right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, the No. 24 overall pick, a source told MLB.com’s Jim Callis. However, Louisville righty Kyle Funkhouser, the No. 35 pick, revealed via Twitter that he will return to school instead. The club has not confirmed Buehler’s deal nor commented on Funkhouser’s Tweet.

The Braves announced Friday that they have extended manager Fredi Gonzalez’s contract through the 2016 season, with a club option for ’17.

A couple prominent National League clubs are looking to make deals at the upcoming non-waiver Trade Deadline, with ace starting pitchers at the forefront of the conversations.

With the clock ticking toward today’s 5 p.m. ET Draft signing deadline, No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson has yet to appear at a news conference with a smile on his face and a D-backs jersey on his back. But don’t expect a repeat of 2014, when Brady Aiken became just the third top choice in 50 Drafts not to sign.

Soon-to-be Hall of Fame inductee John Smoltz said that the Mets’ young corps of starting pitchers (Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz) is “way better” than the stellar Braves rotation that Smoltz pitched on in the early-to-mid ’90s.

A few hours in advance of today’s 5 p.m. ET Draft signing deadline, Orioles second-round pick Jonathan Hughes has announced that he’ll attend Georgia Tech rather than turn pro.

Dee Gordon, the Marlins’ All-Star second baseman and catalyst at the top of the order, is going on the disabled list with a dislocated left thumb. The club announced the transaction on Friday, and in a corresponding move reinstated Martin Prado from the DL.

Aaron Nola, the Phillies’ top pitching prospect, will make his Major League debut when the right-hander starts against the Rays on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

Here are the players who could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Friday.

Here are a few matchups and games to look forward to Friday as the second half commences.

Every week, the MLBPipeline.com crew will rank the top 10 fantasy baseball prospects in the Minor Leagues. These rankings are based solely on expected 2015 fantasy production in the Major Leagues, in contrast to <a href=”http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2015″>the MLBPipeline Top 100 Prospects list</a>, which reflects long-term value in all phases of the game.

Rick Monday can’t help but shake his head and smile. The first player taken in the first Major League Draft, 50 years ago, he signed for a $104,000 bonus. And it wasn’t until 10 years later that the figure was exceeded.

The Rays have signed Chris Betts, the slugging high school catcher from Long Beach, Calif., they selected with their second pick (52nd overall) in the 2015 Draft.

Outfielder Alex Gordon’s absence is more impactful than any of the other disappointments the Royals have dealt with during these first three and a half months.

It’s only a three-day week, but it’s one of the most important of the season, and every contender and hopeful October participant in Major League Baseball knows it.

Welcome to the second half of the 2015 season, baseball fans. We’re in for a wild finish to a campaign replete with playoff contenders, surprise stars and excellent performances. If you enjoy pennant-race ball, this year is for you. But regardless of place in the standings, each team took some ups and downs into the All-Star break.

Welcome to the second half of the 2015 season, baseball fans. We’re in for a wild finish to a campaign replete with playoff contenders, surprise stars and excellent performances. If you enjoy pennant-race ball, this year is for you. But regardless of place in the standings, each team took some ups and downs into the All-Star break.