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Major League Baseball roundup

[July 25, 2016] July 24 (The Sports Xchange) - The New York Yankees have told teams they are close to trading closer Aroldis Chapman ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, according to multiple reports.

The flame-throwing left-hander, known for a fastball that can reach 105 mph, has been one of the biggest names rumored to be on the trading block.

Chapman, 28, was suspended for the first 30 games of the season under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy for his involvement in an alleged incident in October. Chapman was accused of choking and shoving his girlfriend at their Miami-area home.

The Yankees acquired Chapman in January from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for four minor leaguers. The seven-year veteran has converted 20 of 21 save opportunities in 31 1/3 innings with a 2.01 ERA and 44 strikeouts this season.

The Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians are reportedly interested in acquiring the Cuban-born reliever.

The Yankees are planning to retain left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, according to reports. The 31-year-old Miller, who is under contract through 2018, has a 1.45 ERA in 43 1/3 innings with seven saves and 74 strikeouts. He was the Yankees' closer in 2015.

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The St. Louis Cardinals recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers from Triple-A Memphis to make his major league debut Sunday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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To make room on the 25-man roster, the Cardinals optioned right-hander Miguel Socolovich to Memphis following Saturday night's game.

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The Texas Rangers signed left-hander Craig Breslow to a minor league contract and sent him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Breslow, 35, was 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 15 relief appearances with the Miami Marlins before being dispatched to the minors on May 13 and released on July 18.

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The Toronto Blue Jays designated right-hander Drew Storen for assignment and recalled right-hander Ryan Tepera from Triple-A Buffalo.

Storen was 1-3 with a 6.21 ERA and three saves in 38 relief appearances. In five games with Toronto, Tepera is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA. (Editing by Andrew Both)

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