MLB

If the Cincinnati Reds are going to make a midseason trade to help their postseason chances, they have a pretty good trade chip in Alfredo Simon.

It's been incredible to watch Simon turn into the pitcher he is today. The Reds claimed him off of waivers from the Baltimore Orioles right before the start of the 2012 season, and he has been everything from a reliable reliever to a very good starter for the Reds.

Congratulations to Carly Rae Jepsen, the Cincinnati mayor and countless others, as there might just be a new contender for the worst opening pitch.

Rapper 50 Cent threw out the first pitch on Tuesday before the New York Mets took on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field, but it wasn't pretty. The throw was awkward, and the ball sailed far to the left of the catcher, making everyone wonder if the Queens native is really left-handed.

While most Los Angeles sports fans are still frustrated at the Lakers' fortunes in last week's NBA draft lottery, the hometown baseball team has its own draft coming up in less than two weeks.

The 2014 MLB draft is set to begin on June 5, with the Los Angeles Dodgers slated to make a selection at No. 22.

Last year, the team chose right-handed pitcher Chris Anderson out of Jacksonville University with the 18th pick. 

As Derek Jeter continues his farewell tour across the country, MLB teams have been paying tribute with plenty of gifts. At the same time, the 39-year-old shortstop has been making sure to thank the New York Yankees fans for coming out to the games. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently recorded 17 consecutive innings of hitless pitching, setting a team record since the franchise moved to Los Angeles, per the team's official Twitter account.

Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher is one of the most durable players in the game, but the veteran suffered a left knee injury and will go on the 15-day disabled list as a result.   

The Indians' official Twitter account reported the news on Tuesday afternoon:

Cleveland also called up a player to take Swisher's place on the roster, per the team's account:

Fifty games into the 2014 MLB season, the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox find themselves at the bottom of the AL East.  Even with over 110 games left, Boston fans should start to panic.  Here are the five biggest takeaways from the struggling Red Sox's season so far.

They Need to Start Hitting

A tough start to the 2014 MLB season has gotten even tougher for Carlos Santana, as the Cleveland Indians' slugger has been placed on the seven-day concussion list.   

The team's official Twitter account provided the details: