The Eye: Live updates and Cueto dominates

With the Cincinnati Reds much closer to last place than first in the NL Central, and with ace right-hander Johnny Cueto on the verge of free agency come next season, the talk has been of a trade. And with the non-waiver trading deadline coming up at the end of July, the countdown is nearing launch, with Cole Hamels of the Phillies and Cueto regarded as the top starters available.

Cueto dominated Wednesday against the Twins at Great American Ball Park, allowing a run and four hits with eight strikeouts over eight innings in a 2-1 victory for the Reds. Cueto lowered his ERA to 2.84. It hasn’t been higher than 3.00 (at the end of the season) since 2010. Cueto continued to shove at home, coming in having allowed opponents a .161 batting average with a .280 slugging percentage in home games for a .499 OPS. Thank you, four homers and five doubles allowed in 155 plate appearances. But if rumors are true about a deal by the re-tooling Reds, GABP won’t be home for long for Cueto.

Suitors not only get an ace in the sense of performance, but also of style. Watch Cueto’s delivery on a strikeout of Kennys Vargas:

GIF: Almost feels like this Johnny Cueto delivery should be a balk pic.twitter.com/wzSD0GAxaj

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) July 1, 2015

Very much like a combination of Satchel Paige and Luis Tiant, with those little fits of movement punctuating a whirling dervish of sorts in Cueto’s delivery.

Oh, Canada!

The Toronto Blue Jays came dressed for the 148th Canada Day, wearing uniforms accented in the country’s national colors. With a nation of baseball fans behind them emotionally, the Jays beat up on the Red Sox 11-2, hitting five home runs overall, with two coming from Justin Smoak from each side of the plate.

Welcome to the Eye, which features a full schedule including four early (fairly early) start times. Check back for frequent updates, key highlights and relevant player news. It’s something of a one-stop shop.

Wednesday finals

Reds 2, Twins 1: Recap | Box score

Blue Jays 11, Red Sox 2: Recap | Box score

Underway/still to come (all times ET) (Full Scoreboard)

Milestone Watch

Longest active hitting streak: Nolan Arenado of the Rockies has hit in 17 straight coming into Wednesday.

Houston’s 46th victory already has happened: The Astros are way ahead of schedule.

Daily Awards

Infant of the day: Tony Gwynn III!!!

Uniforms of the ‘eh’: Blue Jays on Canada Day.

Hockey legend Don Cherry threw out the first pitch at the Blue Jays game wearing this ensemble. Former Jays catcher Gregg Zaun with the red pants helped out.

Small business of the day: This Cincinnati-area cleaners.

Error count of the day: Marcus Semien.

News, Injuries and Rumors

John Axford takes family leave of absence

Molitor excited about Ervin Santana’s return from suspension

White Sox activate RP Dan Jennings from DL, option Junior Guerra

Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) to take BP on Thursday

Hanley Ramirez back after six-game absence

Jenrry Mejia to assume setup role for Mets upon activation

Hisashi Iwakuma dealing with blister at Triple-A

More player updates

A look ahead to the games scheduled for Thursday (all times ET)

Tomorrow, Jose Fernandez (middle), we pitch. (USATSI)

Marlins ace Jose Fernandez makes his 2015 debut after elbow reconstruction. He’s been doing stuff like staying in shape and cutting people’s hair, at least that of Marlins fan The Jose Guy, who had not had a haircut or shave since, reportedly, Fernandez’s previous appearance. Fernandez makes his debut against Matt Cain of the Giants, who also is coming back from an injury. So much to celebrate. Not so much hair anymore.

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