Detroit Tigers links: J.D. Martinez is a star

J.D. Martinez' monster tear since early June has legitimized his 2014 breakout. Currently he's ninth in all of baseball in OPS, and fifth in home runs with 24. Thus is a star born, as Martinez was named to his first All-Star game this week, and the kudos and analysis are rolling in from the national media. Owen Watson of Fangraphs takes a look at Martinez' amazing opposite field power. As it turns out, J.D. is flexing more power to right field than even the elite left-handed power hitters. And he's ours. If he keeps this up a few more weeks the Tigers may survive Miguel Cabrera's DL stint no worse for wear.

JD Martinez: Good Defender? - New English D, Neil Weinberg
Another look at the improved defensive numbers J.D. has posted since returning to right-field full-time this year. As you might guess, he's more than holding his own out there this season.

Shane Greene leaves start early for Toledo, seems likely to start Sunday for Detroit Tigers - MLive, Chris Iott
While it isn't confirmed yet, Greene appears to be rejoining the Tigers' rotation. Greene is 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.215 WHIP in four starts for Toledo.

Tigers should accept reality and become trade deadline sellers - FOX Sports, Ian Casseberry
The godfather of BYB makes the case for the Tigers cashing in their chips and looking to 2016.

Tom Gorzelanny, Josh Wilson clear waivers; accept outright assignments to Triple-A Toledo - MLive, Chris Iott
You may not have seen the last of these two.

Midseason player awards: American League - Beyond the Box Score, Nicholas Stellini
We're just about halfway through the season, and because we've got something resembling a reasonable sample size to work with, it's time for our requisite awards speculation.

The 2015 MLB Midseason Awards - Grantland, Jonah Keri
As the All-Star break looms, with it's snubs and surprises, it's the perfect time to weigh in on the first half of the season, and the biggest success stories so far.

Elevated fastballs lead to different results for Drew Smyly and Rick Porcello - Beyond the Box Score, Henry Druschel
Drew Smyly and Rick Porcello went through very similar shifts in the past year, but the results of those shifts have been drastically different.

Yasmany Tomas grounds out to Prince Fielder, proceeds to have standoff with Prince Fielder - MLB.com, Matt Monagan
This...feels very familiar. If you think Prince is going to chase you, think again.

Evan Gattis hits a home run on a pitch that batters just aren't supposed to hit home runs on - MLB.com, Matt Monagan
Watch Evan Gattis crush a head-high Trevor Bauer fastball for a home run. The Astros live by the long ball.