MLB

A week after being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Carl Crawford is exploring the market for his services and could return to where his MLB career began.

Continue for updates.

Less than two years after lavishing Rusney Castillo with a $72.5 million contract, the Boston Red Sox placed the Cuban outfielder on waivers. Castillo later cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

The first day of summer is here, and the MLB landscape continues to shift on a weekly basis as teams look to establish themselves as bona fide contenders.

At this point, the Chicago Cubs remain in a tier of their own at the top, but a handful of teams look like viable title contenders in their own right. The Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants are both red-hot right now, and the Washington Nationals certainly opened some eyes when they took two of three from the Cubs in Washington last week.

The fantasy baseball waiver wire can't stay hot forever.

Through hot streaks, call-ups and role changes, a steady stream of worthwhile free agents circulate on a regular basis. Yet an upgrade isn't always available at no cost, and there's no law requiring fantasy players to pick someone up every week. 

This might be a week to lay low. Assembling a fruitful list of 10 waiver-wire recommendations has never proved tougher this season. Some options are limited to smaller mixed leagues.

NEW YORK — The legend of Thor began with a single pitch.

It wasn't the first pitch Noah Syndergaard ever threw in the major leagues. It wasn't even a strike, although that was kind of the point.

It wasn't supposed to be a strike. It was supposed to make a statement.

And just in case it didn't, Syndergaard followed it up with words.

"Hit that first pitch," he said in a text that night to Frank Viola, his Triple-A pitching coach.

Last season, the New York Mets mixed a sputtering offense with a strong, young pitching staff, added a healthy dollop of trade-deadline cavalry and rolled to a World Series appearance.

Now, the Queens faithful had better hope history repeats itself.

San Diego Padres center fielder Jon Jay left Sunday evening's game against the Washington Nationals after suffering a right forearm contusion, the team announced. 

Continue for updates.

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.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood has landed on the disabled list with a back injury, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reported Sunday. Colorado has recalled Scott Oberg from the minor leagues to take his spot on the roster.  

Chatwood has been Colorado's ace this season with an 8-4 record and 3.15 ERA. 

More to follow. 

Rookie of the Year candidates, current (and former) All-Stars and high-paid veterans litter Week 11's All-Dud team. Once again, the funk proved it doesn't care about a player's track record of success, how much money he makes or how highly touted he was as a prospect.

The funk can strike any player at any time—and neither popping two Advils nor spending the day in bed is enough to get rid of it. The cure is different for every player.