Morning Mound Visit: Atlanta trades for Joc Pederson

Kris Willis | Talking Chop: The Braves acquired outfielder Joc Pederson in exchange for first base prospect Bryce Ball. Pederson hit .230/.300/.418 for the Cubs before the trade on Thursday. Pederson signed a one-year $7 million deal with Chicago over the offseason. The deal includes a mutual option for 2022.

Andrew Mearns | Pinstripe Alley: Thursday’s contest between the Yankees and Red Sox was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Yankees clubhouse. Aaron Judge’s subjection to COVID-19 protocol raised concerns in the Red Sox camp. Boston had five representatives in Denver for the Midsummer Classic, and not all of them were vaccinated.

John Trupin | Lookout Landing: Jarred Kelenic will re-join the Seattle Mariners on Friday. Kelenic’s first taste of the big leagues didn’t go well as the 21-year-old hit just .096/.185/.193 in 92 plate appearances.

Quick Hits

Giants prospect Marco Luciano hit his 15th homer of the year. That ties him for the most home runs at the Low-A level.

The West Michigan Whitecaps, the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, threw a combined no-hitter in the second game of a double-header. Box score.

Royals prospect Brewer Hicklen clubbed an inside-the-park home run.