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The Milwaukee Brewers announced Thursday they traded infielder Aaron Hill to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospects Wendell Rijo and Aaron Wilkerson. 

Milwaukee also sent cash to the Red Sox as part of the deal.

The Arizona Diamondbacks just traded Hill to the Brewers in January. But he has an expiring contract, so Milwaukee decided to sell high on him. The 34-year-old has a solid slash line of .283/.359/.421 thus far in 2016.

Per Spotrac, Boston is picking up a contract in which Hill is making $12 million this season.

The Brewers did well to land two Red Sox prospects, considering the circumstances surrounding Hill and how fruitful Boston’s farm system has been. 2016 All-Star Game starters Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. were all in-house Red Sox products who are thriving in the big leagues now.

Wilkerson is a pitcher who’s posted a 6-3 mark with a 2.14 ERA in 17 games with 16 starts at the Double- and Triple-A levels this season. Rijo, a second baseman, has struggled in the minors as a hitter (.201 average this year) but is only 20 years old and has plenty of room to grow.

As for Boston’s side of the trade, veteran MLB reporter Peter Gammons weighed in on what Hill’s arrival means for the club:

Hill figures to fill in as a starter on the hot corner in place of Travis Shaw at least for now.

Shaw thankfully had X-rays come back negative on his bruised left foot on Thursday, per ESPN.com’s Scott Lauber. With Shaw sidelined and Pablo Sandoval out for the season because of shoulder surgery, though, Boston needs insurance at third base, which is precisely what Hill provides.

After struggling with the Diamondbacks in the prior two seasons, Hill is showing marked improvement this season and could help Boston to the top of the American League East.

Minor league stats courtesy of MiLB.com.  

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The Seattle Mariners placed starting pitcher Taijuan Walker on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with a right foot injury.  

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Walker’s Foot Problems Persist

Wednesday, July 6

MLB.com’s Greg Johns reported the news on Walker’s status and had the story on the 23-year-old’s exit from Tuesday’s start against the Houston Astros.

The foot was clearly bothering Walker when he left the mound in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s 5-2 loss at Houston. He had yielded five runs and three homers in four-plus innings of work.

The Mariners have to be concerned with Walker at this juncture. He also left a start in June with right foot tendinitis, which seems to be flaring up again.

According to ESPN.com news services, Tuesday marked the third time this season a right foot problem has forced Walker out of a game.

“Taijuan obviously still isn’t quite right,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais on Tuesday, per the ESPN.com report. “He struggled, and he’s trying to pitch through it, but we probably have to re-evaluate where we are at here. We will have it looked at again.”

Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported on Wednesday that Walker will meet with a foot and ankle specialist to treat his ailment.

With top-10 MLB rankings in runs scored and team ERA, it’s a wonder Seattle isn’t further north of .500, as the club sits at 43-41.

In terms of pitching, Walker’s ongoing injury issues hinder the depth of the team’s starting staff. Longtime Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is already on the DL with a strained calf, and after only one start, Adrian Sampson was declared out for the season in late June with a right elbow injury that required surgery.

The good news is the All-Star break is quickly approaching, providing Servais and Seattle more time to draw up a game plan for a hopeful playoff push.

Hernandez is also due back soon, confirming on Wednesday, per Divish, that he’ll make a rehab start for the Class-A Everett AquaSox on Sunday.

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American League and National League rosters for the 2016 MLB All-Star Game were revealed Tuesday during ESPN’s selection show telecast.   

Next Tuesday’s annual contest at Petco Park in San Diego will feature 34 players per team. A final fan vote will decide one last addition to each side.

Below is an overview of the rosters, excluding the last two still to be voted in:

Voting for the final spot on the AL and NL teams opened Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET and will close on Friday.

It comes as little surprise that big-market, successful teams in the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs are the most represented among the All-Star starters.

The reigning World Series champion Kansas City Royals continued to benefit from an enthusiastic fanbase as well, with two deserving starters for the AL in first baseman Eric Hosmer and catcher Salvador Perez.

En route to his fourth All-Star bid, Perez was the leader in votes in the American League, per the ESPN telecast.

In addition to the sentimental and merited pick of David Ortiz as designated hitter amid his swan song, many of the young, rising Red Sox stars got recognition. Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts and right fielder Mookie Betts are only 23 years old and are in the conversation for the best players in baseball at their positions.

MLB Stat of the Day provided an interesting anecdote about the infield and the catcher for the AL squad:

Ortiz was the first starter announced on ESPN. The 40-year-old is making his 10th All-Star appearance after posting a .339 average with 19 homers and 66 RBI this season.

Baseball Tonight highlighted how Ortiz stacks up in Boston lore in terms of his All-Star history:

NL skipper Terry Collins will be deploying a starting lineup with a majority of Cubs players, including the entire infield. With its young talent, Chicago has an MLB-leading plus-151 run differential and a huge lead atop the NL Central.

ESPN Stats & Info noted the significance of the Cubs’ achievement:

MLB.com’s Daren Willman weighed in on how far Chicago has come in such a short span:

The Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper is batting only .258 this season, but the reigning NL MVP is nevertheless part of a high-octane outfield along with Yoenis Cespedes and another Cub in Dexter Fowler. The latter is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury and isn’t sure if he’ll be healthy enough to play in the Midsummer Classic, per Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. 

Most interesting about the pitching selections is the AL’s strategy to snag more relievers, inspired by Royals manager Ned Yost, who nabbed some arms from his own club—Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera. 

The National League went heavier on top-tier starters in the spirit of Collins’ loaded New York Mets staff.

The AL and NL teams will battle to give their league home-field advantage for the World Series. That makes the Midsummer Classic worth tuning in for beyond the sheer talent on display.

This year’s All-Star Game is also a showcase of what could be a future dynasty for the Red Sox and Cubs, who have the makings of reigning supreme in Major League Baseball in the coming years.

They are both coming into their own this season, and it could soon be Chicago’s turn to extinguish its 108-year championship drought. Boston did so when current Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was in charge of its personnel.

Now the Red Sox are flourishing in a new era, while Epstein has constructed a burgeoning powerhouse of likely perennial All-Stars in the Windy City.

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris left the field during Monday’s game against the Cleveland Indians after suffering a strained right oblique.

Continue for updates.

Norris Injury Details Revealed

Tuesday, July 5

Manager Brad Ausmus announced that Norris has a Grade 1 oblique strain and will have a recovery time of 10 days to two weeks, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.

Norris No Stranger to Adversity

Norris may not be able to pitch in the immediate future, but he’s overcome more during his young MLB career.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in May 2015 but played through the rest of the campaign before undergoing surgery to remove a malignant growth. He then announced the operation was successful and that he was cancer-free in October.

Three non-displaced fractures in the spinal process put Norris on the disabled list at the start of the 2016 season.

Norris has flashed exceptional talent in his short time in the big leagues, leaving a perfect-game bid after five innings last season—unfortunately because of an oblique strain.

The Tigers have the likes of Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer on their pitching staff, but Norris’ ailment will hinder their depth. MLB.com’s Jason Beck reported Monday that starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained neck.

The Tigers will hope Norris isn’t down for long as they try to close the gap on the Indians in the American League Central. Once Detroit gets Norris and Zimmermann back, it could make a push for the Central crown following the All-Star break.

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The New York Mets announced Monday they expect to activate veteran shortstop Jose Reyes ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.

Reyes signed a minor league deal to return to the Mets in June after stints with Miami, the Toronto Blue Jays and most recently the Colorado Rockies.

On Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com noted Reyes will once again wear No. 7, with Travis d’Arnaud wearing No. 18.

The 33-year-old was a four-time All-Star, three-time National League stolen-base leader and the 2011 NL batting champion during his heyday with the Mets.

Now, Reyes is returning to the organization following an abrupt halt to his time in Colorado. MLB suspended him through May 31 for violating its domestic violence policy, and once he was removed from the restricted list, the Rockies designated the shortstop for assignment.

ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell noted the Mets’ transaction absolves them from paying the vast majority of Reyes’ lucrative contract:

At least one teammate believes Reyes will make a considerable impact upon his arrival.

“He’s going to bring us a ton of energy,” team captain David Wright said, per ESPN.com’s Adam Rubin. “And I think that’s something we can really use is his dynamic on the field—his speed, his charisma, his ability.”

Wright is on the disabled list with a neck injury, forcing the club to scramble and reshuffle personnel. The good news is New York is riding a five-game winning streak. Four of those victories came in a sweep of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs before Monday’s 8-6 win over the Marlins.

As NJ.com’s Maria Guardado reported Sunday, Reyes was working exclusively at third base in the minors, so he figures to take Wilmer Flores’ place at the hot corner when he makes his debut.

According to Rubin, Mets manager Terry Collins plans to put Reyes in the leadoff spot ahead of Curtis Granderson, who will slide to No. 2 in the batting order.

Although he has a long way to go to prove himself in the clubhouse, as well as on the field, the fresh start in New York may be what Reyes needs to get his career back on track.

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New York Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira reached a notable milestone Sunday, swatting his 400th career home run during his team’s game against the San Diego Padres.

Major League Baseball’s official Twitter account broke the news after Teixeira’s solo shot off Carlos Villanueva in the top of the eighth inning:

Teixeira’s achievement was a welcome bright spot amid what was otherwise a forgettable day to compound a disappointing 2016 campaign. The three-time All-Star raised his average to .188 with his sixth homer of the year after striking out in each of his three prior at-bats.

Carlos Beltran, Teixeira’s teammate, is another switch-hitter who has reached the 400-homer mark this year, which at this juncture has more utility for future trivia than the club’s circumstances.

Teixeira’s power from both sides of the plate throughout his MLB career has been impressive in spite of his slumping form this year. Sunday’s homer was more of a celebration of Teixeira’s legacy, which has paralleled how the Yankees’ collective fortune has been this season.

The Bronx Bombers entered Sunday’s contest in the bottom third of the majors in batting average, runs scored and slugging percentage, thus not living up to their previously earned moniker.

It’s going to take a strong effort for Teixeira to rise above the Mendoza Line—and an even stronger one for the Yankees to band together and make a charge after the impending All-Star break. At 39-41 entering Sunday’s game, New York was fourth in the American League East and well outside the AL playoff picture.

For the proud franchise rife with championship trophies, accomplished players like Teixeira need to emulate their elite form of yesteryear for the Yankees to salvage their 2016 campaign.

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New York Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran left the field during Tuesday’s 7-1 loss to the Texas Rangers because of tightness in his right hamstring. An exact return date has yet to be revealed.

Continue for updates.

Beltran Comments on Recovery

Thursday, June 30

ESPN.com’s Wallace Matthews noted that Beltran said his hamstring is feeling better, and although he will take batting practice on Thursday, he is unsure if he will be available to pinch hit against the Texas Ranges. 

Beltran’s MRI Clean, Injury Is Day-to-Day

Tuesday, June 28

MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch and Nick Suss reported on Beltran’s exit in the first inning of Tuesday’s contest. Hoch later reported Beltran was dealing with a cramp and noted the results of his MRI, citing Yankees manager Joe Girardi as the source.

Even at the age of 39, Beltran has been New York’s most effective all-around hitter during the 2016 campaign, posting a slash line of .297/.336/.570 with 19 homers and 53 RBI. Unfortunately, his prowess at the plate apparently led to his injury:

At least it doesn’t appear as though the eight-time All-Star’s ailment is too serious. While the Yankees can’t afford to rush him back, Beltran is instrumental to their success, and he needs to be in the lineup to help the Bronx Bombers hang in the playoff hunt.

In addition to being a valuable batter who can hit from both sides of the dish, Beltran, despite not having the physical tools he once did, is a savvy defender whose presence will be missed in the outfield.

Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez could use Beltran’s short-term absence as a catalyst to step up to their potential on offense in the midst of woeful individual performances.

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Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Matt Imhof suffered a severe right eye injury last week that required surgery.

Continue for updates.

Imhof ‘Likely to Need Further Procedures’

Monday, June 27

ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reported the unfortunate news Monday, noting the 22-year-old’s injury is “potentially career-threatening.”

Crasnick explained what happened to Imhof, a member of the Class-A Clearwater Threshers: While he was doing band work as a means of stretching his arm after a game, a piece of equipment malfunctioned and struck Imhof in the eye.

Imhof’s agent, Adam Karon, provided Crasnick with the information and indicated the pitcher’s family has requested privacy while he recovers.

The Phillies drafted Imhof with the 47th overall pick of the 2014 MLB draft out of Cal Poly. The southpaw has posted a 4-3 record with a 3.91 ERA this season but has logged 43 walks in 53 innings pitched.

Among 14 appearances on the mound this year, Imhof has made nine starts. According to Crasnick, Imhof was making a move to the Threshers bullpen because he was struggling with his command, which was evident in his high walk rate.

Minor league stats courtesy of MiLB.com.

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Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar is reportedly likely to be traded prior to the August 1 deadline. 

Continue for updates.

Giants, Mets Have Shown Interest in Trading for Escobar

Sunday, June 26

Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reported the buzz on Escobar on Sunday. ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick had also reported Friday that the Giants were interested in Escobar and that Los Angeles was “listening” to offers for him.

Escobar has had a strong 2016 campaign thus far with a slash line of .310/.359/.409, but the Angels have struggled as a team, losing six straight contests of late to drop to 31-44.

In the midst of a disappointing season, there is logic to Los Angeles exploring the trade market for Escobar. The 33-year-old has an option on his contract for next season, which includes a $1 million buyout instead of a prospective $7 million salary for 2017, per Spotrac.

With a wealth of experience playing shortstop as well, Escobar has versatility as a defender, which should help L.A.’s cause to trade him.

Selling high on a more seasoned player like Escobar would be a savvy move for the Angels as they try to retool their roster before Mike Trout’s true prime hits.

A contender may be willing to give up a good prospect or two for a player of Escobar’s caliber. L.A. would do well to land some pitching help, considering this year’s club ranked 21st in team ERA and tied for 22nd in quality starts entering Sunday’s games.

It makes sense the Mets are among the teams interested in Escobar. New York star David Wright recently had surgery on a herniated disk in his neck and could be done for the year. San Francisco is dealing with an injury to Matt Duffy, who is on the disabled list due to a strained Achilles.

Since Escobar would be an upgrade for both the Mets and Giants, the trade rumors seem to hold water, and the possibility he’s moved to one of those clubs seems quite realistic.

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The Atlanta Braves announced outfielder Mallex Smith exited Sunday’s 6-0 victory over the New York Mets due to a fractured left thumb.

Continue for updates.

Smith Hit by Pitch From Antonio Bastardo in 7th Inning

Sunday, June 19

Smith has logged a slash line of .237/.312/.379 as an MLB rookie, which isn’t bad considering the dire circumstances besetting the rebuilding Braves, who improved to only 23-46 with a fifth straight win Sunday.

But the 23-year-old is showing flashes of brilliance and has demonstrated a knack for getting on base. His speed is evident in the 14 bases he’s swiped in 21 attempts this season, an attribute that also aids his outfield range.

Despite his relative inexperience at the highest level of baseball, Smith had the attitude of a veteran after his unfortunate health setback.

“Things happen. At this point, we just swept the Mets. Oh well,” said Smith of his injury, per Braves Radio Network’s Kevin McAlpin. Smith added, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, “Things got a little messed up. I’ll just rehab and come back stronger.”

Smith has been the leadoff hitter for Atlanta, which has struggled on offense all season. His absence from the lineup is likely to be an extensive one, further hampering the Braves’ ability to manufacture runs. Jeff Francoeur is next in line to take Smith’s place in the outfield.

At least the club is trending in the right direction for now. Perhaps Atlanta is finding something after a three-game sweep of the reigning World Series runners-up.

With a 9-27 home record, though, the Braves must band together and find a way to play better in front of their home fans to salvage a decent 2016 campaign.

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