The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees agreed to a trade that will send Alfonso Soriano back to the Bronx. The Cubs will pay $17.7 million of the remaining $24.5 million Soriano is owed through next season. Soriano is having an solid 2013 season, hitting .254/.287/.467 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI and will help the Yankees contend in a very competitive A.L. East. In exchange, Chicago will receive minor league pitcher Corey Black, who’s currently playing for the Single-A Tampa Yankees.

***

The Eugene Emeralds beat the Boise Hawks 5-4 Thursday night courtesy of a walk-ff hit from Trae Santos. With two outs and a runner on second, Santos hit a single to center to drive in Hunter Renfroe and win the game. The Ems (15-26) are off to a good start to begin the season’s second half, taking two of three contests from the Hawks. Eugene can still make the playoffs if they compile the best record in the South Division over the second half of the year. Next up, the Emeralds will look to continue their hot start against the Vancouver Canadians (24-17), who come to town for five games.