8/23 Morning Marquee: Braves Mike Minor flirts with no-no

The Chicago Cubs cruised to a win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at Wrigley Field thanks to a strong start from former O’s prospect Jake Arrieta, who has emerged in 2014 as one of the National League’s best starting pitchers, and a mammoth home run by infielder Javier Baez – his sixth home run in 18 games.

In other big league news from yesterday, Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Minor took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in Cincinnati against the Reds before speedster Billy Hamilton broke it open with an RBI single. Atlanta came back, despite not getting Minor a ‘W’ and won in the 12th.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado needs knee surgery, meaning Baltimore will likely be without their young slugger for the rest of the season – including a probable postseason run. The Seattle Mariners also have their eyes set on postseason play and they made a push on Friday night, plating five ninth-inning runs at Fenway Park to down the Red Sox. Seattle will open play Saturday ahead of Detroit for the final AL Wild Card spot by a mere half-game.

However, Red Sox fans have a reason to be happy – Boston signed highly-touted Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo to a record seven-year, $72.5 million contract yesterday. Details are being finalized.

Here’s more news from around the league:

“Arrieta dominant again as Cubs top Orioles” – Cubbies Crib

“Reports: Red Sox agree to deal with Rusney Castillo” – BoSox Injection

“Braves win in 12th after Minor flirts with no-no” – MLB.com

“Manny Machado out for season” – ESPN.com

“M’s refuse to lose; come back at Fenway” – SoDo Mojo