American League
Central Division
White Sox: With no homers in 237 at-bats entering Saturday, Conor Gillaspie’s power outage grows more mysterious.
Indians: Nick Swisher had .128 average with no walks in first 39 at-bats after return from DL. Nice bargain at $15 million.
Royals: Add former Royals star George Brett to list of those vowing to quit chewing tobacco after Tony Gwynn’s death.
Tigers: Ian Kinsler waves at Rangers after homering in return to Texas. Are streaky Tigers waving bye to rest of division?
Twins: Sportswriters applaud as 30 downtown bars get OK to remain open until 4 a.m. on night of All-Star Game.
East Division
Blue Jays: Top pitching prospects Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris, plus two others, must be dangled to get Jeff Samardzija.
Orioles: A pair of late-inning comeback victories over White Sox could propel them in AL East … or not.
Rays: ESPN reports Rays prepared to deal ace David Price now instead of waiting for the July 31 deadline.
Red Sox: Facing the Yankees this weekend in New York in the most scrutinized series of the season between mediocre teams.
Yankees: Derek Jeter turns 40, says it’s just another number. Being Derek Jeter trumps being 40.
West Division
Angels: Garrett Richards goes 4-0 with 1.06 ERA in five June starts, could be in mix for All-Star staff.
Astros: Sports Illustrated features article about 2017 World Series between Astros and Cubs. Spoiler alert: Astros win.
Athletics: Despite management’s trepidation, Yoenis Cespedes says he wants to defend Home Run Derby title.
Mariners: Lloyd McClendon calls Robinson Cano a “very good power source.” Not referring to his four home runs.
Rangers: Global cooling? Game-time temp of 74 at Globe Life Park is lowest reading for June game there since ’04.
National League
Central Division
Cubs: If the Padres hope to steal top scout Jason McLeod from Cubs, will they have to give up a decent prospect in return?
Brewers: Brew Crew is fourth team since 1960 to clear bases on wild pitch, joining ’69 White Sox, ’83 Dodgers and 2001 Rangers.
Cardinals: GM John Mozeliak finds it a “little shocking” to discover Michael Wacha has stress fracture in right shoulder.
Pirates: From hero to goat to gone: Jason Grilli dealt to Angels after recently losing closer’s role.
Reds: Groundhog Day: Devin Mesoraco, from Punxsutawney, Pa., homers in five straight games.
East Division
Braves: Minor scare when Freddie Freeman hit in right elbow. Braves can’t afford to lose F-Free.
Marlins: Had major league-best 8-1 record in interleague play entering weekend when the mighty A’s came to town.
Mets: Minority owner Bill Maher tells Jon Stewart “Met fans are the real people.” Stewart replies: “Losers. We’re losers.”
Nationals: Just can’t stay hot. After Friday, they were 34-3 when scoring four or more runs but 7-35 when three or fewer.
Phillies: Still in NL East race despite last-place standing and ranking near bottom of league in runs scored, ERA.
West Division
Diamondbacks: With franchise-record $110 million payroll, underachieving D’backs ready for a fire sale.
Dodgers: Jamey Wright has second-highest career ERA (4.78) among pitchers with 2,000-plus IP, trailing Bobby Witt’s 4.83.
Giants: In second no-hitter, Tim Lincecum’s fastest pitch (92 mph) and slowest (72.6 mph curve) both came in ninth inning.
Padres: GM Josh Byrnes takes fall for one of the worst offensive teams in our lifetime — .213 average entering weekend.
Rockies: At 41, LaTroy Hawkins tells Denver Post he won’t retire: “If I stay healthy, I can pitch forever.”
