Daily Red Sox Links: Nelson Cruz, Marcelo Mayer, Garrett Richards

The trade deadline season is officially on, and the first big splash came from the team we absolutely did not want to see it from. Locked in a close race with the Red Sox for the top of the AL East, the Rays added major thump to their lineup with the acquisition of Nelson Cruz. (Daniel Russell; DRays Bay)

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In happier news, Marcelo Mayer officially signed with the Red Sox organization on Thursday, and was able to take the field at Fenway before the game. (Trevor Hass; Boston.com)

Chris Sale is looming for this rotation, and whenever he does come back someone is going to have to leave to make room. There’s one name that makes the most sense right now. (John Tomase; NBC Sports Boston)

Matt Barnes spoke about his experience at the All-Star Game. (Jason Mastrodonato; Boston Herald)

Chad Jennings looks back at one of the stranger days in modern baseball history. (Chad Jennings; The Athletic)

The late Nick Cafardo, long-time Boston Globe reporter, is getting his spot in Cooperstown. (Dan Shaughnessy; Boston Globe)