*THE DODGERS HAVE STARTED TO PLATOON VALLEY PRODUCT CODY BELLINGER: The 2019 National League Most Valuable Player is hitting .171 on the season, .153 against lefthanded pitchers.

        *THE NATIONALS TRIED TO RE-SIGN TREA TURNER BEFORE TRADING HIM TO THE DODGERS: Team Turner reportedly turned down a $100 million contract extension offer from Team Nationals. Team Turner apparently is seeking a Francisco Lindor/Fernando Tatis Jr. $340 million type deal.

        *FERNANDO TATIS JR. NEEDS SHOULDER SURGERY WHENEVER HIS SEASON ENDS: The procedure is expected to be followed by a six-month recovery. Apparently, the Padres are moving Tatis to the outfield when he comes off the IL, apparently later this month.

        *THE CUBS CHANCE OF RE-SIGNING ANTHONY RIZZO IN THE OFF-SEASON MIGHT BE GONE: After the trade to the Yankees, Rizzo was less than thrilled with a XM Radio interview with Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer.

        *THE ATHLETICS TRADE DEADLINE ADDITION OF STARLING MARTE SEEMED STRANGE: However, the 80-game PED suspension of Ramon Laureano would have created a significant outfield hole for the Athletics had they added Marte.

        *THE FADING RED SOX ARE DEPENDING ON CHRIS SALE: Coming off Tommy John surgery, Sale is scheduled to make his first MLB appearance since 2019 on Saturday at Fenway against the last-place Orioles.