Indians right fielder Brandon Moss is 6-for-47 (.128) in his past 14 games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Billy Butler hit a two-run double in a three-run eighth inning as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-4, Saturday night at Progressive Field. Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco allowed two runs in seven innings and first baseman Carlos Santana went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Streak busted: The Indians (42-45) had won four straight.

Ouch: Some losses sting worse than others.

The Indians need to/must win when they score four times in a home game against a struggling opponent. But they didn't, which is one reason they are 42-45.

The Athletics (40-50) are 22-24 on the road.

Yikes: The All-Star break can't come soon enough for Tribe right fielder Brandon Moss.

Moss went 0-for-3 with a hit-by-pitch and costly throwing error. He was 0-for-2 with runner(s) in scoring position, both times with two outs.

Since the second game of a doubleheader June 28 in Baltimore, Moss is 6-for-47 (.128) with four extra-base hits (double, triple, two homers), 10 RBI and 17 strikeouts in 14 games.

For the season, Moss is batting .221 with 14 homers, 46 RBI and a .726 OPS. With runners in scoring position, he is 17-for-92 (.185) with nine extra-base hits (six doubles, three homers). With RISP and two outs, he is 5-for-52 (.096) with two doubles and six RBI.

Making a mess: Three Tribe relievers factored in Oakland's three-run eighth.

Zach McAllister relieved Carlos Carrasco to begin the inning. The score was tied, 2-2.

McAllister retired the first two and had lefty Stephen Vogt down in the count, 0-2. Vogt served a fastball off the plate to left for a single.

Tribe manager Terry Francona signaled for lefty Marc Rzepczynski, meaning Ben Zobrist would switch to being a right-handed batter. Zobrist entered the night with a better OPS as a lefty than as a righty (.791 to .715) and more homers (5-0). And he was 2-for-11 with four strtikeouts against Rzepczynski. Oh, well: Zobrist slapped a 1-0 fastball to right for a single, Vogt stopping at second.

The Indians still had a matchup they wanted -- lefty specialist Rzepczynski against lefty Josh Reddick -- but it unfolded in four straight balls. Rzepczynski never made Reddick sweat to reach base.

This season, lefties against Rzepczynski are 11-for-47 with one double, one homer, five RBI, five walks and a HBP. All of last season, lefties were 18-for-100 with two doubles, seven RBI, seven walks and a HBP.

Francona signaled for righty Bryan Shaw to face righty Billy Butler with the bases loaded. After Butler fouled a curve, Fox SportsTime Ohio analyst Rick Manning said: "A lot of times, he will stay right on that baseball and try to hit a little line-drive to right field.''

Shaw and catcher Roberto Perez recycled the signs twice. With Perez set up on the inner half, Shaw threw a cutter that scraped the knees on the edge of the outside corner. Butler stayed firm enough to punch it inside the line beyond first for a double.

Even though Shaw appeared to miss his spot, the result seemingly was a good pitch. But, as Manning intimated, Butler has been a productive hitter over the years partly because of his willingness to go the other way.

Butler drove in two, which should have been the extent of Oakland's damage, at least at that moment. However, as Reddick stopped at third and Butler eased into second, Moss threw toward second base. The ball struck Butler and caromed into the outfield, enabling Reddick to jog home and make it 5-2.

Why Moss threw to second is puzzling. Butler was cruising into second with no one near him when Moss threw. When the ball struck Butler, Tribe shortstop Francisco Lindor was behind him.

Santana's two-run homer in the bottom of the inning accounted for the final margin.

Don't blame Cookie: Carrasco gave up six hits, walked one and struck out seven. He threw 69 of 103 pitches for strikes.

Here is a pitch-by-pitch look at his start:

FIRST INNING

(L) Billy Burns -- 95 fastball swinging strike (up); 96 fastball foul (belt); 94 fastball high and away; 89 changeup, swinging strikeout (down and in).

Skinny: Terrific arm action on changeup.

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 96 fastball down and away (barely); 96 fastball called strike; 89 changeup, double to left (hanger).

Skinny: Changeup tailed onto Vogt's swing plane.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 94 fastball called strike; 93 fastball, single to right (inner half at belt; Vogt stops at third).

(L) Josh Reddick -- 94 fastball low; 94 fastball foul; 95 fastball foul (down); 96 fastball foul (up); 90 changeup foul (hanger; drilled down right side); 88 changeup, sacrifice fly to left (Zobrist to second).

Skinny: Michael Brantley's high throw missed cutoff man, enabled Zobrist to move into scoring position.

(R) Billy Butler -- 94 fastball called strike; 93 fastball low and inside; 94 fastball foul; 88 slider, swinging strikeout (outside corner).

(19 pitches)

SECOND INNING

(L) Ike Davis -- fastball called strike; 94 fastball outside; 94 fastball foul; 95 fastball down and away; 90 changeup foul; 94 fastball, called strikeout (outside).

(R) Mark Canha -- 94 fastball down and in; 87 slider, grounder to first.

(L) Eric Sogard -- 94 fastball outside; 87 changeup outside; 94 fastball outside; 92 fastball outside; 94 fastball, liner to second.

(13 pitches)

THIRD INNING

(R) Marcus Semien -- 85 slider swinging strike (outside corner); 92 fastball foul; 89 slider, swinging strikeout.

(L) Billy Burns -- 88 changeup called strike; 94 fastball foul; 82 breaking pitch foul; 89 changeup down and in; 95 fastball outside; 87 slider, called strikeout.

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 95 fastball foul; 94 fastball foul; 88 slider, swinging strikeout (down and in).

(12 pitches)

FOURTH INNING

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 93 fastball outside; 87 slider foul; 82 curve down and in; 94 fastball outside; 93 fastball foul; 87 changeup foul; 94 fastball, grounder to first.

(L) Josh Reddick -- 94 fastball called strike; 88 changeup, single to center.

(R) Billy Butler -- 85 slider swinging strike; 90 changeup in dirt; 92 fastball, GIDP 6-4-3.

(12 pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(L) Ike Davis -- 92 fastball called strike; 84 breaking pitch swinging strike; 85 breaking pitch down and in; 90 changeup in dirt; 94 fastball, single to left-center (up; beat shift past diving shortstop Francisco Lindor).

(R) Mark Canha -- 93 fastball called strike; 87 off-speed down and away; 86 slider  called strike; 94 fastball, swinging strikeout (running down and in).

(L) Eric Sogard -- 93 fastball called strike; 93 fastball, fielder's choice/6-4.

(R) Marcus Semien -- 91 fastball called strike; 87 slider called strike (outside corner); 86 slider foul; 95 fastball outside (Sogard caught stealing).

(15 pitches)

SIXTH INNING

(R) Marcus Semien -- 86 slider down and away; 86 slider swinging strike; 94 fastball inside; 94 fastball, fly to center.

(L) Billy Burns -- 87 changeup, grounder to first.

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 93 fastball called strike; 83 breaking pitch down and in; 88 slider, grounder to first.

(8 pitches)

SEVENTH INNING

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 93 fastball outside; 87 changeup called strike; 90 changeup inside (barely); 94 fastball swinging strike (away); 86 slider foul (ripped right side); 82 breaking pitch, liner to right.

(L) Josh Reddick -- 95 fastball outside; 94 fastball outside; 92 fastball, double to center (over plate at knees; hit wall).

Skinny: Reddick now 5-for-5 with homer career against Carrasco.

(R) Billy Butler -- 93 fastball inside; 88 slider down and away; 87 slider in dirt; 93 fastball called strike; 94 fastball inside, walk.

(Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway visits mound.)

(L) Ike Davis -- 94 fastball inside; 93 fastball, RBI double to left-center (Butler to third).

Skinny: Carrasco got underneath sinker, causing it to flatten out and stay up. Pitch tailed onto swing plane.

(Infield in.)

(R) Mark Canha -- 94 fastball swinging strike; 94 fastball high; 87 slider down and in; (Catcher Roberto Perez talks to Carrasco); 94 fastball swinging strike (down and in); 94 fastball, grounder to short.

Skinny: Credit Carrasco and catcher Roberto Perez for sticking with the fastball.

(L) Eric Sogard -- 94 fastball called strike; 94 fastball called strike (outside corner); 95 fastball, fly center.

(24 pitches)

Here's how the Indians starting rotation will open the second half starting with a three-game series against the Reds on Friday at Great American Ball Park: Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Cody Anderson.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians will adjust their starting rotation coming out of the All-Star break.

Trevor Bauer will open the second half Friday against the Reds at Great American Ballpark. Bauer will be followed by Corey Kluber on Saturday and Carlos Carrasco on Sunday.

The Indians are off Monday and will travel to Milwaukee for a two-game series against the Brewers. Danny Salazar and rookie Cody Anderson will start those two games.

Kluber will finish the first half Sunday when he faces Oakland's Sonny Gray.

"This gives Corey an extra day's rest," said Francona. "Trevor is lined up (for Friday). He's going to stay here over the break. Mickey (Callaway, pitching coach) is going to stay here as well and Trevor will come here and throw a couple of times.

"So having him start right after break makes sense."

Callaway's presence over the break is a good thing for Bauer. Last year Bauer stayed in town over the break, but had trouble getting into Progressive Field to throw. So he found a park in Cleveland and threw against a fence to stay sharp for the second half.. 

Anderson, who has made just four big league starts, will have 12 days off before facing the Brewers on July 22.

"This allows us to back up Cody a little bit because this will be the first time he's probably pitched in September," said Francona. "We're trying to take advantage of everything that we can because it's our last chance to do it."

Hello, Toledo: Oakland starter Chris Bassitt, who pitched 6 1/3 strong innings Saturday night against the Indians, grew up Tribe fan in Toledo.

"I was a little more amped than usual because I'm basically from here," Bassitt told Oakland reporters after the game.

Bassitt said he had 50 to 75 family members and friends at Progressive Field for the game.

"I could hear my mom," he said. "I don't know why. Everyone else was just noise. Besides my debut, this is probably the coolest start I'll have in a long, long time.

"I've been a Cleveland fan basically since birth so it's kind of cool coming back here. I've been here so many times watching people play. It's a real experience actually playing here. It's one I'll never forget."

Testing, testing: Josh Tomlin, in his second rehab start, went 2 2/3 scoreless innings on Friday night for Class AA Akron. He struck out two, walked one and allowed three hits.

"Tomlin did good," said Francona, before Saturday's game. "He was 86 mph to 90 mph and he felt good today (Saturday). "

Look for Tomlin to make several more starts before being activated. He is recovering from surgery on his right shoulder in March.

"This is like spring training for him," said Francona.

Bro-0hio: Nick Swisher went through another rigorous workout in right field on Friday.

Francona said Swisher will probably stay in Cleveland during the Cincinnati-Milwaukee trip so he can hit with one of the Tribe's minor league teams in preparation for him to go on a rehab assignment.

"He did really well," said Francona.

Arm saver: Francona says the presence of Zach McAllister, a converted starter who can pitch more than one inning, has kept him from using Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw as much as he did in the first half last year.

"When you envision something in spring training or the winter, that's how we envisioned it and why we envisioned it," said Francona. "For the most part, it been good.

"He can go multiple innings, you don't have to worry about the lefty-righty splits. I think that's one of the main reasons why Shaw and Cody have had a little bit less of a (workload) just because of Zach."

This year Allen has made 38 appearances and pitched 37 1/3 innings. Shaw has made 39 appearances and pitched 31 2/3 innings.

Last year the break started on July 14. Allen was at 46 appearances and 41 2/3 innings and Shaw was at 45 appearances and 43 1/3 innings.

Finally: The original Tito Francona threw out the first pitch for Saturday night's game. Terry Francona, the Tribe's manager and Tito's son, caught it.

Tito Francona played for the Indians from 1959 to 1964.

David Griffin talks about LeBron James and Kevin Love signing, Tristan Thompson negotiations and plenty more at Summer League.

LAS VEGAS - Cleveland Cavaliers' General Manager David Griffin arrived in Las Vegas on Saturday to check out Joe Harris and a couple of his newest draft picks as the took on the Brooklyn Nets.

At halftime he addressed the local media and discussed the LeBron James and Kevin Love signing, the Tristan Thompson negotiations, J.R. Smith's status, Mo Williams' return and a host of other newsworthy topics.

The complete interview has been transcribed for your viewing pleasure.

--

Is your offseason going as planned by re-signing Kevin Love?

"I don't know if it's been as smooth as you could imagine, but I'm grateful the way it's played out to this point. All of the media stuff that was out there about him in L.A. and all these other things, it was so asinine. There was no truth to any of that. And nothing was ever written about him having eyes for some place else was never in conjunction to what was said to us. We had some great meetings with him. Our meeting postseason in his exit interview with him was fantastic. He was really forthcoming about the way he feels like he can do better, things we could have done better for him, but he was never even entertaining taking a visit anywhere. So from that standpoint, I'm grateful that he felt that way about our organization.

Obviously the relationship he had with LeBron, or rather the meeting he had with LeBron was critical. Their relationship is important to us. Nobody would have ever said they had a bad relationship, but it can never be good enough either right? You can never have those guys be close enough. I think that was a real promising thing for us. Relative to LeBron, I think he was pretty clear at the end of the season that he felt like we had enough to win a championship. I think he was pleased with the way we had built the team and the things that were in place for him and he acted on that."

Do you want J.R. Smith and Matthew Dellavedova back?

"We'd like to bring both of them back if it all can be worked out. In Delly's case, the restricted free agency is a totally different process. With J.R., I wouldn't want to characterize the discussion or anything, but he's a player I'd like to have back. We just have to find a way to make it work."

Do you want to get Tristan Thompson's deal done before you sign other players?

"I don't think so. We can focus on getting business done in whatever order it happens now. We were really fixated on getting the people done that we already have first and now I think it's just a matter of coming to an agreement with all of those people and finding the right deal for everyone. I don't think it's going to matter timing-wise."

Are you confident you'll reach a deal soon?

"I hope so. I don't know about relatively soon, but I hope so."

Does this get ugly the longer it goes?

"He's restricted. We really like him. I think we'll end up getting something done. I wouldn't characterize it as frustrating in any way."

Is there a limit to what you're willing to spend on this team?

"I don't think it's about a ceiling as much as it is about flexibility and the ability to act on an opportunity. You don't want to be spending money like a drunken sailor. It needs to be money that's warranted and I think if the right opportunity presents itself, we're still in a mode where we'll capitalize on it. But we're also not trying to manufacture the same kind of opportunities. By way of example, when we acquired the Brendan Haywood contract, we didn't have three max players and one near max player on our books. So you needed the vehicle to go get a sign-and-trade done and now we can't even receive a sign-and-trade player because we're so far over the apron we couldn't do anything to get under the apron. So it didn't enable us to go into this free agent marker and do a sign-and-trade with anyone. So at this point, unless you can go get a piece that you really think advances the cause, it's not a function of if there's a ceiling, it's what's best for us as we go into a season. Last year we were really successful towards the end of the season because we had incredible flexibility in the middle of the season and our cap guys had found a way to create the trade exception that enabled us to get [Timofey] Mozgov. And if I can have a trade exception in January that enables us to identify a real need and based on where we're at with health, I would love to have that. So you have to weigh every opportunity that's presented to you and say is this better than being able to call our shot in the middle of the year."

What about the names that floated around in the mix with the Brendan Haywood contract?

"Again, if the names were such that we were willing to take them and not want the flexibility, we would. And right now, there hasn't been a name that's available that's worth losing that flexibility for."

When does Haywood's contract expire?

"It expires July 31. So if there's not a name that makes sense or a deal that makes sense for us by then, we can create a trade exception with it. That's something we would look to do as well."

How will Kevin Love's role expand?

"I think he and coach have had a lot of conversations about that. I think LeBron and coach have had a lot of conversations about that. Kevin enables us to have someone else carry the load when LeBron sits down once in a while too. Kyrie, I think was in a situation where he was clearly the one who was taking over when LeBron was out and I think we probably didn't utilize Kevin enough to make Kyrie's job easier either. So I think we have the ability to put him at the elbow and run offense through him more than we did and do some of the things he did very well in Minnesota. And coach, and Ty Lue and those guys have already been looking at the things he did do well there and will focus on a lot of that because it does, it takes a big part of the burden off of LeBron and off of Kyrie and obviously as we head towards the end of the season, that's important."

Is Mo Williams' play-making ability what you desired?

"I think quite a bit, but for me, the beauty of Mo is more in his floor spacing-shooting than it is his play-creation. Now if we end up in a situation like we were in the Finals last year where we're going to need the ability to break people down, but we already have three really ball-dominant special play-creator types. So I see him playing off the ball a great amount too and he enables us to do the same thing with Kyrie. Those interchangeable spots. Mo's signing is a really good deal for us. It really gives us a level of versatility that I wish we had in the Finals."

What's your position of need?

"I think if you look at our roster, even if we had J.R., we still need a three behind LeBron. Somebody that could consistently take some burden off of him. We're watching Summer League to see if there's the right piece there. We're looking at the free agent pool and seeing if there's a piece that makes sense for us there, as well. We're obviously limited in the vehicles we have to sign anybody with. There's high-value target that you can't afford because we just don't have a vehicle to get them. Again, not being able to do a sign-and-trade hampered us a bit."

Why aren't many players doing the one-and-done contracts to cash out when the TV deal kicks in?

"And I think the reason for that is there's really only so many my people that are a given to get every dollar in the system. Those are true max players. Everybody else wants security. I think Kevin [Love] could have done a one-and-one if that's what was in his heart, but I also think the fact that he wanted to be tied to something and know what his future was, was meaningful to him. But for the most part, there's a really, really small pool of guys who can dictate outcome on something like that. LeBron is clearly one of those guys because everybody in the NBA would create cap space to sign him. So, I think that's why he and Dwyane [Wade] did what they did because they can."

Do you focus on what other teams are doing or just focus on the team?

"I think it's both. We have to do what's right for us and build our team according to what we need in our locker room, but I pay a lot of attention to what teams, even in our conference are doing. The East got better. They got a lot better and that's not necessarily good for us, but we can't react to anything they are doing either...It doesn't mean anything for us. It's not going to change what we need or believe in, but we're certainly cognizant of it."

Any update on the condition of Kyrie and Anderson Varejao?

"Kyrie is rehabbing well. He's in Miami. He's doing really well actually with his rehab protocol. He feels very good. He's certainly on pace right now for where we need to be. Andy, similarly, feels very good. He actually wanted to try to dress in the Finals and wasn't real happy that we didn't let him to do it. So, I anticipate he'll be ready for the start of camp."

Any fear Kevin won't be ready for camp?

"None. We think we'll have everybody healthy for camp."

The Cavaliers continue to struggle, losing to the Nets 76-75 in Summer League play.

LAS VEGAS - The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their second defeat in as may nights on Saturday evening by losing 76-75 to the Brooklyn Nets in Summer League play at the Cox Pavilion at UNLV.

Cavaliers' second-year player Joe Harris fouled Brooklyn's Markel Brown at the three-point line with two seconds left on the clock with the Cavaliers up one. Brown knocked down two-of-three to give the Nets a one-point lead.

There was just enough time for Cleveland (0-2) to get their first win, but Harris missed an off-balanced three off of an out-of-bounds sideline play. He was clearly fouled on the shot, but in Summer League and it being the final game of the night, everyone, including the referees, wanted the game to end.

Owner Dan Gilbert and General Manager David Griffin sat courtside taking in the action. They were in constant dialogue throughout the contest, seeing if there was any talent capable of being of assistance when training camp rolls around.

Harris continues to struggle. He is the only player on the roster who has an NBA contract. He's a combined 4-of-20 from the field in the first two games. The team's second round picks in Rakeem Christmas and Sir'Dominic Pointer registered only 8 points and four points respectively. Christmas picked up six fouls in 21 minutes.

D.J. Seeley and Jerrelle Benimon led the Cavaliers with 11 points apiece.

Ball security remains an issue as Cleveland turned the ball over 22 times, resulting in 17 points the other way.

Brooklyn Ryan Boatright scored 16 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 15 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn (1-0).

Cleveland's next game is Monday at 4 p.m. against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Cox Pavilion. It will be their final game before the tournament portion of the league begins on Wednesday.

It's too early to start handicapping the AL wild card race, but logically that's probably the only chance the Indians have at making the postseason. As they found out in 2013, it requires a maximum effort for what can be an extremely brief reward.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - There's never a bad time to play good baseball, but the Indians timing could be better.

They have been a dangerous team since the middle of their last trip when they swept a four-game series from Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. They should have won two out of three against the talented Pirates at PNC Park, but Danny Salazar vaporized a 3-0 lead with one bad inning.

The Indians returned home and took three out of four from the AL West-leading Astros to once again start their maddening dance with .500. They're even playing better at home.

Friday's win over Oakland gave them a four-game winning streak at Progressive Field. It's their longest of the season, which helps explains their 19-24 record on the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

But here's the deal. All that good play hasn't put a dent in Kansas City's lead in the AL Central. The Tribe is still 10 games back in fourth place behind the Twins and Tigers with the White Sox sitting right behind them.

What that leaves the Indians with in regards to a logical postseason invitation is the AL's two wild card spots. And there is nothing logical about the wild card.

Just think about how hard the Indians played in 2013 to secure one of the wild card spots. They needed 92 wins, including a 21-6 showing in September. They ended their September run with 10 straight wins and they needed them all.

All those big wins were forgotten when the Rays beat the Tribe, 4-0, in the wild card game. The suddenness of that loss still bothers manager Terry Francona.

The All-Star break is not the time to assess a team's wild card chances. There is still too much season to play, but realistically those are the choices the Indians have left for themselves. They were terrible in April, righted themselves in May and struggled again in June. They've been embarrassed in their division (14-22) and weak at home.

The Indians entered Saturday night's game against the A's at 42-44. Is there a silver lining in that record? Something that would encourage GM Chris Antonetti to add instead of subtract from this team before July 31^st trade deadline? That's what Antonetti gets paid to do, but the roster assembled in the Arizona desert in March certainly isn't standing on the top step of the dugout, pounding its chest and saying it's ready to take on all comers.

Beyond that there is only the murkiness of the wild card race. The Indians, after their 5-1 win over the A's on Friday, trailed Minnesota by 4 1/2 games for the second wild card spot. They were tied with Texas with Detroit, Baltimore, Toronto and Tampa Bay in front of them.

Look for wild card standings to stay that way until the last game of the season. That's what they were designed to do.

They were also designed to teach the lesson that the best way to reach the postseason is to win a division title. That opportunity has all but come and gone for the Indians.

Kris Bryant, Cubs third baseman, leads all NL rookies with 50 RBI.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here's a look at 10 of the top candidates for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

1. 3B Kris Bryant, Cubs: He leads all NL rookies with 50 RBI and is second with 12 homers. He's slumped a since mid-June when he was hitting .297.

2. OF Joc Pederson, Dodgers: The left-handed hitting Pederson leads NL rookies with 20 homers, but he's in a month long slump. He's hitting .182 (18-for-99) in his last 30 games and .232 overall.

3. RHP Chris Heston, Giants: Heston threw a no-hitter against the Mets on June 9. He's 8-5 with a 3.51 ERA in 17 starts. He's struck out 82 and walked 30 in 105 innings.

4. 3B Matt Duffy, Giants: The Giants named Duffy their starting third baseman on May 24 after cutting ties with veteran Casey McGehee. Duffy is hitting .292 (75-for-257) with eight homers and 39 RBI.

5. SS Nick Ahmed, Diamondbacks: He became Arizona's starting shortstop after Didi Gregorius was traded to the Yankees. Ahmed has always been a good defender, but he's hitting some, too. In his last 30 games, Ahmed is hitting .287 (29-for-101).

6. RHP Noah Syndergaard, Mets: The 6-6 right-hander, nicknamed Thor, is 2-0 with a 1.97 ERA in his last five starts. In that stretch, he's allowed seven earned runs, while striking out 38 in 32 innings.

7. 3B Maikel Franco, Phillies: He's hitting .286 (60-for-210) with 10 homers and 34 RBI.

8. RHP Anthony DeSclafani, Reds: DeSclafani, after making five starts with the Marlins in 2014, has found a spot in the Reds' rotation. He's 5-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 17 starts.

9. OF Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks: As Arizona improves, so does the play of it rookies Tomas and Ahmed. Tomas is hitting .316 (77-for-244) with five homers and a .805 OPS.

10. RHP Michael Blazek, Brewers: Blazek is 5-2 with a 1.60 ERA pitching out of the Brewers' pen. He's struck out 40 and walked 14 in 45 innings.

Next week: AL Cy Young watch.

The Australian kicker is one of three first-team All-Americans returning in the Big Ten.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The running countdown of the Northeast Ohio Media Group's top 50 Big Ten football players for the 2015 season.

No. 20, Brad Craddock, Maryland

Senior kicker, 6-foot, 189 pounds

* On Twitter: @BRADCRAD

* See players No. 50 through No. 31

* See players No. 30 through No. 11

* What he's done: Craddock may do his job as well as any player in the Big Ten does his job. There are three Big Ten players who were named first-team All-Americans last season who are returning this season: Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Michigan State center Jack Allen and Craddock. 

Craddock won the Lou Groza Award last season as the nation's best kicker while, of course, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. He made 18 of 19 field goals last season, including 11 from at least 40 yards. You may remember his 57-yarder against Ohio State, which provided the Terrapins' first three points in a 52-24 loss. And he made all 44 extra points.

He's Maryland's career leader with an 81.7 field goal percentage (49 of 60). 

* How he got here: Craddock is part of the Australian kicking connection in college football, those punters and kickers who grew up playing Australian Rules Football in their home country before figuring out how to translate those skills to this game. Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston is among them. Craddock is one of the best, and landed at Maryland after calling around to colleges looking for a chance. The Terps were the first to offer a scholarship, and he had to check a map to see where the state was located. He thought he'd be a punter but wound up handling kicking duties.

* What's ahead: Craddock's rise followed early struggles with technique, but he seems to have things down now. He's the kind of kicker who can win a game or two over the course of a season if the Terrapins can stay in games.

He could become the second two-time Groza Award winner, following Florida State's Sebastian Janikowski in 1998 and 1999. Janikowski went on to be a first-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. The highest-drafted kicker since then was Ohio State's Mike Nugent in the second round in 2005. With the leg strength Craddock has shown, he should have NFL teams interested pretty early in 2016.

Elsewhere

* Late Craddock field goal difference in Penn State win

* How Craddock landed in America

* Responding to a big miss changed Craddock's career

Endorsement deal continues run of offseason momentum for Joe Haden.

BEREA, Ohio -- Joe Haden's passion for sneakers and his growing national visibility have landed him a coveted endorsement deal.

The Browns' Pro-Bowl cornerback announced Saturday night via Twitter he's joining Jordan Brand, created by Nike for NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Haden becomes part of a "Jordan Family" which includes NFL players: Earl Thomas, Dwight Freeney, Dez Bryant and Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks, Andre Johnson and LaMarr Woodley.

The latest endorsement continues Haden's run of offseason momentum. Since earning his second-straight Pro Bowl bid, he ranked No. 23 on the NFL Network's list of top 100 players, and leads the league in jersey sales over the past month.

Anyone who follows his social media accounts realizes how much the sixth-year pro, who appeared in an episode of Nice Kicks Sneak Peek, loves sneakers. He estimates owning more than 1,000 pairs, and last year opened a new shoe store, The Restock, in Cleveland.

Haden's shop no doubt will be carrying his new Jordan Brand apparel in the near future.

Dreams do come true!!! Glad to be part of the Jordan Brand family!!!! #GodisGreat #TheGOAT pic.twitter.com/YwChWYEjFM

-- Joe Haden (@joehaden23) July 12, 2015

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Sunday's series finale.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Sunday's series finale.

Pitching matchup: Corey Kluber (4-9, 3.45 ERA) vs. Sonny Gray (9-3, 2.20 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. DH Jason Kipnis

2. SS Francisco Lindor

3. LF Michael Brantley

4. RF David Murphy

5. 1B Carlos Santana

6. C Yan Gomes

7. 3B Giovanny Urshela

8. CF Michael Bourn

9. 2B Jose Ramirez

Athletics

1. CF Billy Burns

2. C Stephen Vogt

3. DH Ben Zobrist

4. RF Josh Reddick

5. 1B Ike Davis

6. 3B Brett Lawrie

7. 2B Eric Sogard

8. SS Marcus Semien

9. LF Sam Fuld

Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writer Zack Meisel as the Indians and Athletics play the final game of their three-game series Sunday at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND -- Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writer Zack Meisel as the Indians and Athletics play the final game of their three-game series Sunday at Progressive Field. 

Game 88: Indians (42-45) vs. Athletics (40-50)

First pitch: 1:10 p.m. ET at Progressive Field.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

LONDON — Novak Djokovic got the better of Roger Federer at Wimbledon again. The defending champion outplayed Federer in four sets Sunday to win his third Wimbledon title and ninth Grand Slam championship. In a repeat of last year's final, won by Djokovic in five sets, the top-ranked Serb overcame the loss of seven set points in the second set...

LONDON -- Novak Djokovic got the better of Roger Federer at Wimbledon again.

The defending champion outplayed Federer in four sets Sunday to win his third Wimbledon title and ninth Grand Slam championship.

In a repeat of last year's final, won by Djokovic in five sets, the top-ranked Serb overcame the loss of seven set points in the second set and pulled away to beat the seven-time champion 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3.

The top-seeded Djokovic broke No. 2 Federer four times and saved six of the seven break points he faced.

In winning the 40th career matchup between two of the greats of the game, Djokovic prevented Federer from winning a record eighth Wimbledon title.

The 28-year-old Djokovic further cemented his status as the dominant player in the game and one of the all-time greats, still in the prime of his career.

Djokovic closed out the match by breaking Federer for the second time in the fourth set, hitting an inside-out forehand winner into the open court on the final point. He pumped his arms and screamed, then bent down, plucked some grass from Centre Court and put it his mouth -- just as he did when he won his first title in 2011 and again last year.

Djokovic equaled the number of Wimbledon titles won by his current coach Boris Becker, who won at the All England Club in 1985, '86 and '89.

Djokovic also became the first man to retain the Wimbledon title since Federer did it in 2007.

Sunday's victory evened their career head-to-head record at 20-20, but Djokovic now holds a narrow edge where it counts the most -- 2-1 in Grand Slam finals, 2-1 at Wimbledon and 7-6 in majors overall.

The 33-year-old Federer will now have to wait another year to try again to become the first man to win eight Wimbledon singles titles. In 2012, he equaled Pete Sampras and 1880s player William Renshaw with seven.

Federer was playing in his 10th Wimbledon final and 26th Grand Slam final. He had been broken only once coming into the match, but dropped serve four times against Djokovic, considered the best returner in the game.

The final featured two of the fiercest competitors in the sport going toe-to-toe, with each going for big serves and engaging in furious corner-to-corner rallies.

Federer took more risks and was more aggressive, but the steely Djokovic refused to bend, digging in and lifting his game whenever he had to in order to prevent his opponent from gaining the edge.

While Federer had more winners (58) than Djokovic (46), the Serb finished with only 16 unforced errors, compared to 35 for the Swiss player.

In rare radio interview, LeBron James said he will begin to hone his skills for the 2015-16 season in September and says the Cavs are a "great team."

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James said "I feel like I can be a better player next year" as he returns to the Cavaliers in an improving Eastern Conference and remains fueled by that still-secret motivation he first hinted to during the Finals last month.

"People always look at me sideways and say well how can you possibly get better," the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player said Sunday on Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM, to national basketball writers and show hosts Ethan Skolnick and Howard Beck.

"I just feel like I have a lot of room to improve, either from a basketball side of things or from a leadership or mental side of things that can help me a better player," James said. "So I'm looking forward to it."

James signed a one-year, $23 million contract with the Cavs Friday that has a $24 million player's option for 2016-17. He brought his first motion picture, "Trainwreck," and its stars to Akron Friday night for a red-carpet debut. The movie premieres in New York this week and opens nationally on July 17.

James already held his two-day skills camp in the Los Angeles area, and is up for three awards Wednesday night at the ESPYs. He'll participate in NBA players' union meetings next weekend in Las Vegas, has an August trip to China planned with Nike, and just returned from a little time away on vacation with his wife and some friends. Perhaps you've seen the banana boat.

In a rare radio interview, James said he has "nightmares" about Cleveland's loss in the Finals to Golden State, replaying games or situations in his head.

He said having Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love healthy against Golden State - they were both lost to season-ending surgeries - "still doesn't guarantee you a championship ... but obviously it would've gave us a better chance. That's obvious.

"You still gotta go out on the floor and play the game, but it definitely give us a better shot than we had," James said of his team, which lost to the Warriors in six games. He is 2-4 lifetime in six Finals.

James, 30, said he would "get back into the lab" to start working on his game in late August and ramp up his workouts in September, and would use the flights to and from China to decide which area of his game he'd like to improve.

His 25.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game during the regular season were near career lows. He averaged 30.1 points, 11.3 boards, and 8.5 assists during the postseason, but shot just 22.7 percent from three-point range.

James said he would not only take inventory of his own game, but would return from China knowing "exactly what I need to do to help Shump (Iman Shumpert), to help Kev, to help Kyrie, help Mo Williams, and also to help Tristan Thompson.

"Hopefully we get (Thompson's contract) done and hopefully we continue to get better from there and continue to bring other guys in too," James mentioned, as an aside.

James credited his former team, the Miami Heat, for a strong offseason that included the drafting of Duke's Justise Winslow with the 10^th pick, the re-signing of Goran Dragic to an $86 million contract, and the recent addition of Amar'e Stoudemire through free agency.

The Pacers, a frequent playoff opponent for James' teams, figure to take a step back after trading Roy Hibbert to the Lakers and losing David West to the Spurs in free agency, James said. He said Brooklyn, the No. 8 seed in the 2015 playoffs, appears to be in rebuilding mode, while Boston, the Cavs' first-round opponent, should return stronger with the addition of David Lee.

"You see it every single year, teams come, teams go," James said. "I've been fortunate to be on teams where we kind of give ourselves a chance to win every year. So I'm very blessed and honored to be a part of that."

James said he was vacationing with close friends Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony as the saga unfolded involving DeAndre Jordan, Paul's teammate with the Los Angeles Clippers who committed to Dallas as a free agent then chose to reconsider and re-sign with L.A.

Pictures circulated of James, Wade and their wives walking through the Atlantis casino and resort in the Bahamas, as well as of the four basketball players and Gabrielle Union (Wade's wife) floating on a banana boat.

James said they were about "seven hours from Atlantis," apparently referring to their trip following a walk through Atlantis, explaining that "we took a boat out and got far, far away from the madness." James said he thinks Paul "had a lot more information than he was giving us" about Jordan's change of heart.

"When (Jordan) changed his mind it was like oh man, I didn't know what to think of it," James said. "Until you can actually sign, we all know now going forward you can't get too high or too low just because a guy verbally commits on July 1. You've got to get all the way to the ninth."

As for the secret motivation James mentioned but declined to disclose during the Finals, James said "I'm still waiting to win. The motivation has not stopped.

"Once the postseason starts, if we're fortunate to get to the postseason -- I think we can, we have a great team -- that motivation will kick back in," he said.

Jason Kipnis started at designated hitter on Sunday. Manager Terry Francona wanted to give the second baseman a bit of a breather before he heads to Cincinnati for All-Star Game festivities.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are some Cleveland Indians quick hits from Progressive Field.

* Jason Kipnis started at designated hitter on Sunday. Manager Terry Francona wanted to give the second baseman a bit of a breather before he heads to Cincinnati for All-Star Game festivities.

* Francona also wanted to give Brandon Moss a day off from starting. Moss, who lined out in a pinch-hit appearance, is hitless in his last 16 at-bats and he has 10 strikeouts during that stretch.

* Josh Tomlin, who tossed 2 2/3 innings in a rehab start for Double-A Akron on Friday, will pitch for Class A Mahoning Valley on Wednesday. He is slated to throw about 65 pitches.

* Francona said the team has enjoyed having Tomlin around the clubhouse. Tomlin spent time rehabbing in Goodyear, Ariz., following his spring shoulder surgery.

"It's tough," Tomlin said. "I've been on the shelf for two of the last three years now. It's hard to watch these guys go through it and be so many miles away not able to be a part of it. That's probably the hardest thing for me. Getting able to be with these guys, even though I'm not officially a part of the team, it feels good to be around them."

* Prior to Sunday's series finale, Carlos Santana had collected nine hits in 20 at-bats (.450 average) during the Indians' homestand.

* Santana's lower back barked on a swing in the eighth inning on Sunday. Francona and a trainer checked on the first baseman, but he remained in the game.

* Kipnis was recognized on the field prior to Sunday's series finale as the club's All-Star representative. He received his All-Star Game uniform and posed for photos.

* Francona said he'll tune in to Tuesday night's All-Star Game if he is "done playing golf."

* The Indians will hold an optional team workout at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Thursday night.

The Indians are 19-26 at home after losing two of three to Oakland this weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Sonny Gray pitched a two-hitter and Stephen Vogt hit a two-run homer as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Cleveland Indians, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field. Gray and Vogt are All-Stars.

The Tribe failed to capitalize on a good start by Corey Kluber (8 IP, 4 H, 2 R) and superb defense. 

Sputtering: The Indians are 42-46 entering the All-Star break. For a club with high expectations internally and externally, it rates as an enormous disappointment.

The Indians are buried in the AL Central and on the fringe of the fringe of the race for the second wild card.

No comfort: The Tribe is 19-26 at home. The most recent two losses came against Oakland, which is 41-50 and in last place in the AL West.

Nothing to see here: Cleveland's offense, as has been the case too often in the first "half,'' was offensive Sunday. Gray is terrific, no question, but he might have encountered more resistance in a simulated game. This was varsity against jayvee.

Gray (10-3, 2.04 ERA) allowed three runners, and faced two over the minimum,  during his 107-pitch gem.

1. With one out in the fourth, Francisco Lindor singled up the middle. Four pitches later, Michael Brantley grounded into a double play.

2. David Murphy led off the fifth with a walk. After Carlos Santana flied to left, Yan Gomes' grounder to third pushed Murphy to second. Giovanny Urshela, in what turned out to be Cleveland's only at-bat with a runner in scoring position, popped to second.

3. With two outs in the eighth, Urshela singled off the left-field wall. Brandon Moss, pinch-hitting for Michael Bourn, flied to center.

Moss's AB was one of just five against Gray that produced an out in the air. Gray recorded 16 outs via grounders and struck out six.

Don't blame Klubot: One of the reasons the Indians are four games below .500: a record of 5-14 in games started by Kluber. But Kluber is more than doing his job; his 4-10 record comes with a 3.38 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 133 1/3 innings.

Sunday was yet another game in which Tribe bats failed to support Kluber, who walked two and struck out six and threw 112 pitches. Here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of his start:  

FIRST INNING

(L) Billy Burns -- 92 fastball foul (slap to left side); 92 fastball high; 93 fastball swinging strike (over plate); 94 fastball high; 94 fastball foul (slap to left side); 89 cutter foul (left side); 94 fastball outside; 94 fastball foul (slap to left side); 94 fastball, grounder to second.

Skinny: Productive out.

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 91 fastball, fly to right (inside corner at thighs).

Skinny: Catcher Yan Gomes was set up inside, but with the glove lower than where the ball arrived. David Murphy timed his leap at the wall perfectly and reached over the yellow line to deny Vogt a homer.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 92 fastball called strike; 84 off-speed high; 93 fastball foul; 94 fastball inside; 90 cutter foul; 84 breaking pitch, foul pop to third.

Skinny: Giovanny Urshela hustled to railing and made catch as he leaned into seats.

(16 pitches)

SECOND INNING

(L) Josh Reddick -- 92 fastball called strike; 86 breaking pitch swinging strike; 93 fastball, single to left (off outside corner at knees).

Skinny: Reddick slapped ball into hole at short against shift. He deserved credit for a good approach, but Kluber made it too easy for him at 0-2.

(L) Ike Davis -- 87 cutter foul; 83 changeup in dirt; 93 fastball called strike; 80 breaking pitch low; 87 cutter, GIDP 6-4-3.

Skinny: Shortstop Francisco Lindor, shaded up the middle, flipped to second baseman Jose Ramirez moving across the bag. Lindor and Ramirez made what could have been a tricky timing play seem routine.

(R) Brett Lawrie -- 88 cutter outside; 92 fastball foul; 82 curve swinging strike; 89 cutter, grounder to third.

(12 pitches)

THIRD INNING

(L) Eric Sogard -- 91 fastball, fly to center.

(R) Marcus Semien -- 91 fastball called strike; 92 fastball, grounder to short.

(L) Sam Fuld -- 92 fastball called strike; 93 fastball called strike; 83 breaking pitch  low; 94 fastball, grounder to second.

(7 pitches)

Skinny: Kluber economized, with all but one pitch being a fastball.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Billy Burns -- 87 cutter called strike; 92 fastball outside; 93 fastball called strike (comebacker to inside corner); 89 cutter foul; 94 fastball inside (Burns squared); 93 fastball foul; 93 fastball up and away; 94 fastball low and in, walk.

Skinny: Pesky Burns notches second straight good plate appearance.

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 88 cutter down and in; 93 fastball, homer to right (inside corner at thighs).

Skinny: Fastball command has been a problem for Kluber this season, and it bit him again here: Catcher Yan Gomes was set up on outside corner. Vogt easily cleared Murphy this time for his 14th of the season.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 91 fastball called strike; 82 curve foul; 88 cutter high; 94 fastball down and in; 88 cutter, swinging strikeout.

(L) Josh Reddick -- 92 fastball called strike; 92 fastball inside; 85 changeup, grounder to second.

Skinny: Fastball (far) inside set up changeup. Reddick rolled over it.

(L) Ike Davis -- 80 breaking pitch outside; 89 cutter foul; 92 fastball high; 87 cutter called strike (outside corner); 92 fastball foul; 83 breaking pitch low; 87 cutter, called strikeout (outer third).

(25 pitches)

FIFTH INNING

(R) Brett Lawrie -- fastball called strike; 90 fastball high; 81 breaking pitch, pop to short.

(L) Eric Sogard -- 91 fastball outside; 85 breaking pitch high; 91 fastball called strike; 91 fastball, single to center.

Skinny: Sogard compact to fastball on outside corner. Once again, though, Kluber needed to be nastier in a two-strike when ahead in the count

(R) Marcus Semien -- 86 breaking pitch down and away; 92 fastball away; 90 fastball outside (passed ball; Sogard to second); 91 fastball called strike; 93 fastball, fielder's choice/6-5.

Skinny: Lindor alertly threw to Urshela, who slapped tag on head-first-sliding Sogard's right arm. Sogard acted as though he was safe, but it wasn't all that close.

(L) Sam Fuld -- 91 fastball foul; 87 cutter foul; 88 cutter foul; 82 breaking pitch, called strikeout.

(16 pitches)

SIXTH INNING

(L) Billy Burns -- 91 fastball foul (left side); 91 fastball outside; 86 breaking pitch called strike; 92 fastball foul (slap to left); 89 cutter outside (barely); 93 fastball, called strikeout.

Skinny: Burns thought the decisive fastball was outside, and he almost certainly was correct. Pitches seen through three plate appearances:

(L) Stephen Vogt -- 93 fastball outside; 91 cutter down and in; 94 fastball outside; 93 fastball called strike; 90 cutter low, walk.

Skinny: Kluber wasn't going to take any chances.

(L) Ben Zobrist -- 93 fastball low (barely); 88 cutter inside; 92 fastball, single to right (inner third; Vogt to third).

Skinny: Zobrist foiled the Vogt

(L) Josh Reddick -- 94 fastball low; 88 cutter, GIDP 3-6-3.

Skinny: Money pitch in a big spot. Carlos Santana fielded the one-hopper on the edge of the grass and threw on-target to Lindor.

(16 pitches)

SEVENTH INNING

(L) Ike Davis -- 80 breaking pitch called strike; 91 fastball called strike; 80 breaking pitch, pop to short.

(R) Brett Lawrie -- 91 fastball up and in; 88 cutter swinging strike; 91 fastball inside; 88 cutter foul; 93 fastball, called strikeout (outer third).

(L) Eric Sogard -- 86 off-speed high; 85 breaking pitch called strike; 83 changeup swinging strike; 91 fastball, fly to left.

(12 pitches)

EIGHTH INNING

(R) Marcus Semien -- 79 breaking pitch inside; 93 fastball, fly to left.

(L) Sam Fuld -- 83 off-speed called strike; 87 cutter foul; 88 cutter outside (barely); 82 breaking pitch, swinging strikeout.

(L) Billy Burns -- 92 fastball foul (slap to left); 87 cutter, grounder to pitcher.

(8 pitches)

The Indians entered the All-Star break having dropped their final two games following a stretch of nine wins in 12 contests. Here is what manager Terry Francona, pitcher Corey Kluber and outfielder David Murphy had to say after Sunday's 2-0 defeat.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians entered the All-Star break having dropped their final two games following a stretch of nine wins in 12 contests. Here is what manager Terry Francona, pitcher Corey Kluber and outfielder David Murphy had to say after Sunday's 2-0 defeat.

Kluber, on Sunday's results:

"He pitched a great game. Unfortunately, I made one mistake to Vogt and that kind of ended up being the difference."

Murphy, on his first-inning catch, which robbed Oakland's Stephen Vogt of a solo home run:

"I feel like I didn't really get up that much. I feel like, if anything, guys can make fun of me for not getting up that much. But it got the job done."

Murphy, on the timing and placement it requires to make such a catch:

"In that situation, I had a lot of time to get back. I think the key was not to get too close to the fence because when you jump, most likely you're always going to jump towards the fence a little bit. The problem can be if you jump too close to the fence, you kind of knock yourself down. So you want to give yourself space so you can get up in the air as high as possible."

Kluber, on his pitch to Vogt in the first inning, which resulted in Murphy's catch, and his pitch to Vogt in the fourth inning, which went over the fence:

"The first inning was a two-seamer in, that was actually a pretty good pitch. I think he was probably up there kind of looking to ambush a fastball, and the second one, we were trying to go away, and I just kind of yanked it to the middle. First one was a good pitch, second one wasn't."

Francona, on the performance by Gray, who limited the Indians to two hits and a walk over nine scoreless frames:

"If you're a fan of pitching, he is fun to watch. If you are trying to beat him, it's not fun. There's really nothing he doesn't do. He locates his fastball, which kind of like Kluber, has late movement in both directions. Breaking ball, changeup he is really good. We had a base hit up the middle then the double play. He was one hitter over the minimum until Gio hit that double and Gio's hit was the only one where we really squared up."

Murphy, on what made Gray so challenging:

"He keeps the ball down, he's got late, natural movement on his fastball and one of the better curveballs in baseball. That can keep you off his fastball, especially with two strikes. He knows how to pitch. He did a good job with his fastball, in and out today, and that's what you have to do to be successful at the big league level. When you have that type of stuff and you combine it, you see the numbers and you see an All-Star pitcher."

Kluber, on his first half:

"Feel like I'm in a pretty good spot. I feel good when I'm out there on the mound. Obviously, I haven't done a good enough job to put us in a position to win more games, but hopefully I can turn it around after the break."

Francona, on the Indians' defense:

"I think we're going in the right direction. The way Urshela has played third and Lindor at short, it has kind of sparked us. Not just their skills, but their enthusiasm. They want the ball hit to them. I think it has helped everyone and been good for us."

Murphy, on his assessment of the Indians' first half:

"Overall we're not where we want to be. I think we're in a good spot lately, but to me, this one today, I think you tip your hat to that guy. There's definitely plenty of days where the offense doesn't get the job done and it's frustrating, but I wouldn't consider today frustrating. We ran into a good pitcher that did a great job and sometimes that happens in baseball.  It's disappointing to go into the break on a note like this but I think the break is going to be good for everybody. We're going to go get some rest and come out playing hard day one of the second half."

MORELAND HILLS, OH--Jennifer Waxman wasn't sure she would even enter the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Cleveland Grand Prix on Sunday. The 23-year old from Chagrin Falls, a recent graduate of Auburn University in Alabama, says she is a little out of practice. "When I was in school, I didn't ride as much," she says. "This is only my...

MORELAND HILLS, OH--Jennifer Waxman wasn't sure she would even enter the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Cleveland Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 23-year old from Chagrin Falls, a recent graduate of Auburn University in Alabama, says she is a little out of practice.

"When I was in school, I didn't ride as much," she says. "This is only my third show since October," she says, surrounded by reporters who want to talk to the 50th anniversary Grand Prix winner. "I wasn't even sure I was gonna show today. But I know her (her horse, Shakira) so well. If I do my part, she does hers."

Both rider and horse did their part to take first with no faults and a time of 31.925 in the jump off.

"The course was fair, but challenging enough," she says, and admits she was unable to contain a wide grin when she made it over the triple jumps. "You've got to have luck on your side, and we did on that one," she says.

A dry Friday and Saturday helped the course's condition, and although it rained during competition, the heavy rains held off until evening.

Her horse came with the name Shakira. "It's a fitting name, though, because she is the ultimate diva," Waxman says with a laugh. "She's probably the feistiest horse I've ever had. That jump off was way more her than me. That's what makes a good horse. She wants to win."

Everyone wanted to know what's next for Waxman. One reporter suggested she might try for the Olympics.

Waxman laughs. "I have barely been riding," she says. "We'll see. I'm just happy that this happened."

Although Waxman takes home a percentage of a $50,000 purse, she says the best part of the event was the support of the home town crowd.

"Horses definitely know the difference," she says of the excitement the crowd provides. "They rise to the occasion. And it's fun for me because I'm from here."

They were among the stars in Cincinnati on Sunday night. Watch video

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Amid all the stars at the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday night, Urban Meyer's locker buddy was Snoop Dogg.

"We shared a locker today," Ohio State's football coach said during interviews before the game, which is part of Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities. Meyer then yelled over to his cornerback Eli Apple, who was on hand as an intern for a Columbus television station.

"Eli, did you know that? Me and Snoop ..." Meyer said, wrapping two of his fingers together to show his new bond with the rapper.

After Meyer walked away from the interview, Meyer yelled to his pal again as Dogg was interviewed. That, in fact, was an infamous Meyer photobomb, this one for the TV cameras.

Love this. Urban Meyer shouting "Snoop!" then nodding at the camera. Everyone loves Snoop. https://t.co/SSoNvRaWi4

-- Matt Edwards (@Matt_WLWT) July 12, 2015

And then when Meyer stopped for a final interview on the stairs out of the batting cages, where the celebs had gathered, the lockermates were reunited.

Snopp Dogg walked up the stairs chanting, "OSU, OSU, OSU," and Meyer met him with a high-five.

Mayber their best shared momet came during the game, which will be aired on ESPN on Monday night after the home run derby. Actor Josh Hutcherson, of "Hunger Games' fame, missed catching a foul pop and Meyer, on the bench at that point, gave Snoop Dogg a look.

You know, like lockermates do.

Indians prospect Bradley Zimmer accumulating good numbers as he climbs the minor league ladder.

CINCINNATI - Bradley Zimmer started to feel it in spring training.

The Indians No.1 pick in 2014 was invited to play in a handful of Cactus League games with the big league club. He hit .500 (4-for-8) with a double, homer and three RBI. Along the way he caught the eye of manager Terry Francona.

"I just tried to carry what I did in spring training into the regular season," said Zimmer, 22.

Zimmer opened the year at Class A Lynchburg when he hit .305 (87-for-285) with 16 doubles, three triples, 10 homers and 38 RBI in 77 games. He scored 59 runs, stole 32 bases in 37 attempts and posted a .889 OPS.

It not only earned him a trip to the Futures Games on Sunday as part of MLB's All-Star Game festivities, but a spot in the starting lineup for Team USA. The 6-4, 185-pound Zimmer started in center field and went 0-for-2 in USA's 10-1 win against the World.

"I had a really good time," said Zimmer after the game. "My mom, my dad, my step dad and my step brother were here. They were sitting behind home plate."

Monday he's scheduled to rejoin Lynchburg, which had its All-Star break in June.

"I'm just happy with my overall game," said Zimmer. "I've stuck to the plan that I said I was going to at the start of the year -- stay consistent and play hard every day. I haven't worried too much about the results and have just been having fun with it."

Zimmer said he's heard some rumblings about getting promoted to Class AA Akron.

"There has been some talk," he said, "but it's not something I'm worried about. The Indians have my best interest in mind. When the time is right, I'll be up there."

Said Ross Atkins, Indians vice president of personnel, "We're talking about what the best environment is for him to continue to improve. Nothing has been decided."

One of the intriguing parts of Zimmer's game is his speed. He stole 12 bases in 17 attempts last year at Class A Mahoning Valley and Class A Lake County. So his 32 steals in 77 games this year represent a big jump.

"It's something I wanted to test the limits on and see what I can do," said Zimmer. "I told myself I was going to get more aggressive on the bases and not really worry about getting thrown out. So far I've been doing a pretty good job.

"If I'm on base, I want to move up and get in scoring position to help the team win. Once you get to the major leagues, it's about winning. In order to win, it's all about scoring runs. "

Is there any chance the guys playing at Progressive Field missed that memo?

"He's a powerful athlete," said Atkins. "He's really talented in all phases of the game. Probably the best thing he does is compete."

Atkins said Zimmer has more than enough talent and speed to stay in center field.

Zimmer comes from a family of athletes. His brother, Kyle, was the Royals No.1 pick in 2012 and is pitching at Double-A. His father, Eric,  played college baseball and his mother, Cathy, ran track.

"I'm pretty lucky," said Zimmer. "I get speed from my mom and baseball from my dad."

The Indians struggled to solve the Oakland's ace, which should come as little surprise since Corey Kluber toed the rubber for Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If only David Murphy played right field on stilts, the Indians and the Athletics might still be playing.

Sonny Gray might still be pitching, too. The Indians struggled to solve the Oakland's ace, which should come as little surprise since Corey Kluber toed the rubber for Cleveland.

Kluber's valiant effort was again overshadowed by a lack of offensive production as the Indians dropped the series finale against the Athletics by a 2-0 margin.

For the fourth time this season, the Indians failed to score with Kluber on the mound. Kluber entered the game with the second-lowest run support average in the majors.

The right-hander, however, made one mistake: Stephen Vogt pulled his fourth-inning offering on the inside part of the plate over the right-field fence. On an overcast afternoon at Progressive Field, Gray made no such miscue.

The Indians mustered only two base hits, both by rookies. Francisco Lindor singled up the middle in the bottom of the fourth. He was erased in the ensuing at-bat, as Michael Brantley grounded into a double play. Giovanny Urshela lined a pitch off the left-field wall for a long single with two outs in the eighth. He was stranded as Brandon Moss lined out to center.

Vogt nearly struck twice. In the first inning, he yanked a Kluber sinker toward the right-field wall. The baseball sailed into the glove of a leaping Murphy, who preserved the scoreless deadlock. He would have needed some moon shoes to repeat history three innings later, though. Vogt's home run traveled 393 feet and plated Billy Burns, who led off the frame with a walk.

What it means

The Indians sputter into the All-Star break with a 42-46 record, having lost two straight. Through 88 games last year, the Indians stood at 43-45. They carried a 47-47 record into the All-Star break. The club has a 19-26 mark at home this season. They were blanked for the eighth time this season.

Ice Klubes

Kluber dropped to 4-10 this season, though his ERA improved to 3.38. He limited Oakland to two runs on four hits and two walks. He tallied six strikeouts over eight innings and threw 72 of his 112 pitches for strikes. Kluber has tossed at least 6 2/3 innings in 11 of his last 12 starts.

Gray skies

Gray tossed the third complete game of his career. The Indians only pushed a runner to second base once. Murphy walked to start the fifth and advanced 90 feet on a groundout. He was stranded there.

The Indians tallied only three flyouts. Gray recorded 15 outs on the ground, including one double play. Gray allowed two hits and one walk. He struck out six and tossed 71 of his 107 pitches for strikes.

Golden gloves

One play after Murphy's leaping catch, Tribe third baseman Giovanny Urshela nabbed a Ben Zobrist pop-up and then plunged into the seats behind the tarp in foul territory in left field.

Pace of play

The teams wrapped up Sunday's game in two hours, 25 minutes, a result of stout pitching and little offense.

They came, they saw

An announced crowd of 20,611 watched the affair at Progressive Field.

What's next

The All-Star break begins on Monday. The game itself will take place on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Second baseman Jason Kipnis will be the club's lone player representative. He was recognized prior to Sunday's game. He was handed his blue and red All-Star jersey. He looked at both sides of it, posed for photos, waved to the crowd, slung it over his shoulder and retreated to the dugout.

Following the All-Star break, the Indians will begin a three-game set in Cincinnati against the Reds on Friday. Trevor Bauer will start the series opener for the Tribe.

Likely is just 5-foot-7 but tied for the Big Ten led with six interceptions last season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The running countdown of the Northeast Ohio Media Group's top 50 Big Ten football players for the 2015 season.

No. 19, William Likely, Maryland

Junior cornerback, 5-foot-7, 175 pounds

* On Twitter: @4GoLive

* See players No. 50 through No. 31

* See players No. 30 through No. 11

* What he's done: The Big Ten has a pretty nice collection of defensive backs heading into this season, and Likely can hang with any of them. A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media as a sophomore in 2014, Likely tied for the conference lead with six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. But he's not only a defender.

He also led the Big Ten in kickoff returns, averaging 31 yards, and ranked fourth in punt returns, averaging 11.1 yards.

He was one of three Big Ten players, with Wisconsin's Michael Caputo (No. 33 on this list) and Ohio State's Vonn Bell (No. 23) named to the preseason Thorpe Award watch list Monday for the nation's best defensive back. Though the fact neither Minnesota corner made it is silly.

* How he got here: A three-star recruit in the Class of 2013, Likely was ranked as the No. 49 player in the state of Florida and the overall No. 350 prospect in the class in the 247sports.com composite rankings. Likely is from Belle Glade, Fla., and played at Glades Central High School, a football powerhouse that also produced talents like Ohio State receiver Johnnie Dixon, former Ohio State receiver Santonio Holmes, Carolina Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin and long-time NFL running back Fred Taylor, among many others. 

Likely picked Maryland over other offers from Wake Forest, Miami, Stanford and LSU.

Cornerback William Likely (4) returned two interceptions for touchdowns last season.AP 

* What's ahead: According to the Testudo Times, Likely is shorter than all 35 corners taken in the 2014 draft, for example. So he has something extra to prove to NFL teams at 5-foot-7. But he has good ball skills and has been praised for his football acumen by coaches since he arrived as a freshman.

In his second year as a starter, Likely will try to duplicate those Big-Ten honors and create even more of a name for himself in the return game, where his height doesn't matter. 

And then he may join the march of players from his high school to the NFL.

Elsewhere

* Likely benefits from NFL lineage in The Muck

* A look at Likely's remarkable 2014 season