Aguilar, Brewers Pull Away From Yankees
The Milwaukee Brewers have been rolling in the final week before the All-Star break, pulling away in the top spot of the NL Central Division. Rookie Jesus Aguilar stepped up with seven RBIs, including a grand slam and a two-run blast, in the Brewers 9-4 win over the New York Yankees on Friday. The win was a season-high fifth straight for Milwaukee, despite them committing five errors on the night. They improved to nine games over .500 for the first time since 2014, as they recorded their first win in the Bronx in 21 years. It is their first visit there since June of 2011, Rookie reliever Josh Hader earned his first win after striking out seven over three innings out of the bullpen. He took over for starter Junior Guerra following a 51-minute rain delay. The Yankees gave up 14 hits in their third straight loss. They have gone 6-17 since reaching a season-high 15 games over .500 on June 12th. The one bright spot was once again Aaron Judge, who broke a franchise record for most home runs by a rookie, as his 30th big fly surpassed Joe DiMaggio's mark. These two teams will finish off their series with matinee games on Saturday and Sunday.
Astros' Springer Continues to Thrive in Leadoff Spot
George Springer has gone off since being moved to the leadoff spot for the Houston Astros, and he led the charge yet again on Friday night. Springer fell a double shy of the cycle, but went deep twice in the Astros' 12-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays. The outfielder also tied a career high with five RBI, as Houston rocked Toronto starter Aaron Sanchez in his return from the disabled list. Sanchez dropped to 0-2, as he surrendered one of Springer's two home runs. The All-Star finished the night with four hits and hit his 26th and 27th home runs to help Houston improve to 59-28. Sanchez hadn't pitched since May due to a blister, but allowed a career-high eight runs in 1.2 innings in his first start back. The Astros also got a starter back from the D.L., as Charlie Morton returned from a lat strain to earn his sixth win. He got plenty of support, as Carlos Correa and Evan Gattis both hit home runs in the win. Correa's long ball extended his hit streak to 15 straight, which is the longest active in the majors. After dropping the first game on Thursday, Houston looks to take the series with wins on Saturday and Sunday.
Celtics Deal Bradley to Pistons
Following the addition of Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics are actively attempting to make room in their salary for their newly-signed free agent. They began that process on Friday morning by sending Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons for Marcus Morris and a draft pick. The Pistons reportedly beat out the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers for the guard. Bradley is in the final year of his contract, but the Pistons could be aggressive in signing him to a new deal. If not, he will only be a one-year rental before testing free agency next summer. Reports say the new Piston is interested in signing a new deal. With this trade now official, the Pistons renounced their rights to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, making him an unrestricted free agent. That makes "KCP" the best available right now, with just about everyone else finding new homes this off-season. The Celtics added Hayward earlier this week on a four-year, $128 million deal, as he chose them over the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz. Although, that is their only addition this season to a team that saw Kelly Olynyk join the Heat. This has led to many critics wondering if the two-seed in the East has only gotten worse heading in to next season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have been rolling in the final week before the All-Star break, pulling away in the top spot of the NL Central Division. Rookie Jesus Aguilar stepped up with seven RBIs, including a grand slam and a two-run blast, in the Brewers 9-4 win over the New York Yankees on Friday. The win was a season-high fifth straight for Milwaukee, despite them committing five errors on the night. They improved to nine games over .500 for the first time since 2014, as they recorded their first win in the Bronx in 21 years. It is their first visit there since June of 2011, Rookie reliever Josh Hader earned his first win after striking out seven over three innings out of the bullpen. He took over for starter Junior Guerra following a 51-minute rain delay. The Yankees gave up 14 hits in their third straight loss. They have gone 6-17 since reaching a season-high 15 games over .500 on June 12th. The one bright spot was once again Aaron Judge, who broke a franchise record for most home runs by a rookie, as his 30th big fly surpassed Joe DiMaggio's mark. These two teams will finish off their series with matinee games on Saturday and Sunday.
Astros' Springer Continues to Thrive in Leadoff Spot
George Springer has gone off since being moved to the leadoff spot for the Houston Astros, and he led the charge yet again on Friday night. Springer fell a double shy of the cycle, but went deep twice in the Astros' 12-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays. The outfielder also tied a career high with five RBI, as Houston rocked Toronto starter Aaron Sanchez in his return from the disabled list. Sanchez dropped to 0-2, as he surrendered one of Springer's two home runs. The All-Star finished the night with four hits and hit his 26th and 27th home runs to help Houston improve to 59-28. Sanchez hadn't pitched since May due to a blister, but allowed a career-high eight runs in 1.2 innings in his first start back. The Astros also got a starter back from the D.L., as Charlie Morton returned from a lat strain to earn his sixth win. He got plenty of support, as Carlos Correa and Evan Gattis both hit home runs in the win. Correa's long ball extended his hit streak to 15 straight, which is the longest active in the majors. After dropping the first game on Thursday, Houston looks to take the series with wins on Saturday and Sunday.
Celtics Deal Bradley to Pistons
Following the addition of Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics are actively attempting to make room in their salary for their newly-signed free agent. They began that process on Friday morning by sending Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons for Marcus Morris and a draft pick. The Pistons reportedly beat out the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers for the guard. Bradley is in the final year of his contract, but the Pistons could be aggressive in signing him to a new deal. If not, he will only be a one-year rental before testing free agency next summer. Reports say the new Piston is interested in signing a new deal. With this trade now official, the Pistons renounced their rights to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, making him an unrestricted free agent. That makes "KCP" the best available right now, with just about everyone else finding new homes this off-season. The Celtics added Hayward earlier this week on a four-year, $128 million deal, as he chose them over the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz. Although, that is their only addition this season to a team that saw Kelly Olynyk join the Heat. This has led to many critics wondering if the two-seed in the East has only gotten worse heading in to next season.
