Baseball

Because the baseball gods decree that every season must feature an overly complicated debate about the "V" in "MVP," 2016 has given us the curious case of Kris Bryant.

There's no need to be curious about Bryant's stardom. It's legit. The Chicago Cubs picked him No. 2 overall in 2013, and all he's done since then is emerge as a No. 1 prospect and last year's National League Rookie of the Year. For his next act, he has eyes on the NL Most Valuable Player Award.

The San Francisco Giants (66-54) will try to end a four-game losing streak behind ace Madison Bumgarner (11-7, 2.11 ERA) when they host the New York Mets (60-60) on Thursday.

Jonathan Lucroy hit his seventh home run for the Texas Rangers on Wednesday in a 6-2 win over the Oakland A's.

That becomes more impressive when you stack it next to another number: 15.

CHICAGO — In sports, we're used to losses prompting overly emotional and one-word reactions. Not so for the Chicago Cubs under manager Joe Maddon.

Sure, a baseball season is 162 games, but the sport still has its share of teams that allow a loss to linger. Maddon said he has been part of teams like that, so his objective when he joined Chicago in October 2014 was to keep emotions on an even keel.

For some teams, questing for a World Series trophy requires sticking with whatever's working.

The Toronto Blue Jays don't have that luxury.

On Tuesday, shortstop Dansby Swanson got word that he's headed to the big leagues and will debut Wednesday with the Atlanta Braves, per the team's official Twitter feed.

On Monday, right-hander Shelby Miller made a start for the Reno Aces—the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood has run into problems with his back once again and is facing another extended absence. 

Continue for updates.

Chatwood Headed for the Disabled List Again

Tuesday, Aug. 16

According to Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post, Chatwood has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mid-back strain.

The future is set to arrive for the Atlanta Braves.

The team announced Tuesday it will call up infielder Dansby Swanson on Wednesday:

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Swanson out of Vanderbilt with the No. 1 pick in the 2015 MLB draft.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera will miss Tuesday's game against the Kansas City Royals with a left biceps strain. 

Continue for updates. 

After seven seasons, it appears outfielder Coco Crisp and the Oakland Athletics are headed for a contentious divorce. 

Continue for updates.