When Mets officials made the difficult decision to send infielder Luisangel Acuña back to Triple-A Syracuse in late June, they indicated that he might not stay in the Minors for long. That is precisely what happened.

Athletics slugger Brent Rooker became the latest entrant in the forthcoming Home Run Derby on Thursday. Just one spot remains vacant in the eight-player field. Rooker, 30, has hit .270/.346/.489 (130 OPS+) with 19 home runs in his first 94 games this season.

The Atlanta Braves opted for better safe than sorry with their superstar earlier this week and it paid off with Wednesday night's performance

Right-hander Paul Blackburn (shoulder impingement) is throwing a bullpen Thursday at Camden Yards. Should he continue to progress over the All-Star break, the Mets will send him to Port St. Lucie to face hitters before sending him on a minor league rehab assignment.

Ronald Acuña Jr. returned to the Braves lineup on Wednesday night and halted concerns about the possibility he would not be available to compete in the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, which will be held within his home ballpark next week.

You won't be seeing these stars on the trade block this year -- but what would it take to land them if they were?