As promised, our Top 35 Trade Candidates article came out on Thursday. We’re also kicking off our trade deadline preview series, which will feature an in-depth look at each team. Anthony Franco got the ball rolling with the Yankees’ trade deadline outlook (Front Office subscription required).

1. Phillies win it in the ninth inning … again

The Nationals coughed up another late lead on Wednesday, giving up five runs across the sixth and seventh innings to relinquish a 5-0 margin, then five more in the ninth inning to seal the loss. Bryce Harper played the hero in yesterday’s comeback win, launching a go-ahead homer off Gus Varland. The Phillies scored eight times in the ninth inning on Tuesday to erase a two-run deficit. Recent addition Derek Hill came through with a game-winning two-run homer on Wednesday. Philadelphia is the first team to have three consecutive games with a go-ahead homer in the ninth inning, per Elias Sports Bureau (relayed by Byron Kerr of MLB.com).

2. Rays fall two outs short of no-no

Tampa Bay nearly put together a combined no-hitter on Thursday against the Royals. Using the opener/bulk reliever strategy they made famous, the Rays entered the bottom of the ninth inning having yet to allow a hit. The club turned to veteran Craig Kimbrel, who issued a leadoff walk, then struck out the next batter. Royals catcher Carter Jensen ended the no-hit bid with a long home run to right-center. The star of the near no-hitter was lefty Ian Seymour. In typical Rays fashion, he’s been used in a variety of roles this year, racking up two saves and 10 holds while also working in long relief. Seymour tossed a season-high 6 2/3 frames on Thursday, striking out seven and permitting just one baserunner.

3. Ohtani, Clement earn ASG starting spots

The first round of All-Star Game voting wrapped up yesterday. The top vote-getters for each league were Shohei Ohtani and Ernie Clement, which means they’ve earned automatic starting spots. The next round of voting begins on Monday. Fans will narrow down the starting lineup by choosing from the top two vote-getters at each position, along with the top six outfielders, excluding the spots already taken by Ohtani and Clement. The winners from the second round, plus pitchers and reserves, will be announced on July 4.

Photo courtesy of Brad Mills, Imagn Images