Jose Iglesias News

As we speak, the Red Sox are leading the way in the AL East, holding a healthy lead over the rest of the division.

So far, he hasn't. Teammates can talk about "picking each other up" but nothing can tear down a team quicker than a closer who can't close out games.

The throwing session that everyone was waiting for finally happened yesterday, albeit a few hours later than expected.

Let's get the most important business out of the way first. Andrew Bailey has to go.

Tampa Bay Rays rightfielder Wil Myers moves back to catch a deep fly by Boston Red Sox's Jose Iglesias during the third inning of the second baseball game in a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park in Boston, Tuesday, June 18, 2013.

Last week, we examined the bottom-five teams in each league, and the parts they may look to sell as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

In advance of today's double-header against the Boston Red Sox , Brian Joiner of Over The Monster was kind enough to sit down with me and answer all of my burning Red Sox questions.

Coming off a rough weekend in Baltimore during which they lost three of four to the Orioles, the Red Sox needed Monday's day off, but they'll jump right back into things today with a day-night doubleheader against Tampa Bay at Fenway Park.

Do you think that looking for another starting pitcher before the Trade Deadline is a priority? Do you think that Ben Cherington will be as willing to trade prospects as Theo Epstein did his last few years as general manager? -- Tevi D., Mattapan, Mass.

With the seventh pick in the Amateur Draft, their highest selection in many years, the Boston Red Sox snagged left-handed pitcher Trey Ball.

Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 23rd home run, Nick Markakis had four hits and scored three runs, and the Baltimore Orioles beat Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox 6-3 Sunday.

INF Jose Iglesias made his first professional start at second base as Dustin Pedroia got the day off.

Today's edition of the links brings you stories on topics such as Jon Lester's start on Sunday, a new trend in free agency, and the awesomeness that is Xander Bogaerts.

He was scheduled for further tests in Boston on Sunday but showed significant improvement.

Miguel Gonzalez pitched well enough to let the fielders do their thing, the offense scored six runs, and the bullpen allowed just an infield hit over 2.2 innings, giving the Orioles a big series win over the Red Sox.

Orioles right-hander Jake Arrieta , who was called up from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday to provide bullpen depth, will start Monday night against the Tigers in Detroit in place of right-hander Jason Hammel .

Jon Lester 's long and winding road of frustration continued Sunday afternoon in Baltimore.

There's still more than half a season left to play, so there's no reason for the Baltimore Orioles to become overly excited about their current situation.

On Saturday, the Orioles offense sputtered, right-hander Freddy Garcia couldn't hold a lead, and the Boston Red Sox finally showed why the team is in first place in the American League East .

It used to be that the Red Sox always wound up with the "other" brother. The Yankees had Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio ; Boston had Dominic , a fine player but not Marilyn Monroe 's husband.