Fan News

The Pittsburgh Pirates got a little friendly with their Instagram followers on Friday, promoting a fan giveaway of free tickets and, err, sexual donuts.

Yep, sexual donuts.

Cuban players have enjoyed a great deal of success in Major League Baseball in recent years, and the next potential star from Cuba could be on the verge of joining the league in the form of pitcher Norge Luis Ruiz.

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Milwaukee Brewers left-handed relief pitcher Will Smith has been suspended eight games by Major League Baseball after a foreign substance was noticed on his arm Thursday night. 

MLB Communications on Twitter released the official details of Smith's suspension Friday:

MLB PR also noted Smith plans to appeal the suspension:

Believe it or not, the Major League Baseball season has reached the quarter mark. It has been an exciting year thus far, with tons of surprising teams and performances. 

Pablo Sandoval's presence in the Boston Red Sox lineup is essential if the team hopes to be a playoff contender in 2015. He's battled injuries in the past and is on the mend again. Sandoval exited his team's May 19 game against the Texas Rangers after getting hit by a pitch in the knee.

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New York Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was forced to exit the team's May 19 game against the Washington Nationals with a knee injury. 

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Colorado Rockies star Corey Dickerson will be placed on the disabled list while dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. 

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Rafael Furcal, who spent 14 seasons playing for four Major League Baseball teams, has decided to retire at the age of 37.   

The Kansas City Royals, who signed the former All-Star shortstop in the offseason, announced the decision Tuesday on Twitter:

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with inflammation in his left knee.  

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Martinez Heads to DL with Knee Inflammation

Tuesday, May 19

The Tigers' official PR Twitter feed reported that Martinez was placed on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his left knee.

Concocting trades is fun, but it isn't easy, even from the outside looking in. There are any number of challenging factors that need to be weighed—from talent and finances to timing and need—in order to come up with a swap, especially one that actually makes some sense for both sides.