MLB notes: Are the first-place Brewers buyers?

Doug Melvin couldn’t help but to laugh at the question.

Do you have another CC Sabathia trade in you?

“I’m always open to a big (trade) if there’s one out there,” said the Brewers general manager, chuckling with the knowledge that those kinds of opportunities don’t come along very often.

In July 2008, the Brewers shocked baseball by dealing for Sabathia, who led them to the N.L. wild-card berth to end a 26-year playoff drought. Melvin knew then that an impact pitcher was necessary to get his team over the hump.

“At the time we did that, I’m not sure we thought it was coming,” said Melvin. “We had players they had interest in.”

With his club in first place nearly the entire season in the Central Division, does Melvin need to make a huge move before the July 31 deadline? Yes, David Price would look pretty good in a Brewers uniform, but is Melvin considering making a play for Tampa Bay’s available ace?

“I’m always open for anything,” said Melvin, who certainly would never say if he was kicking the tires on Price. “There’s probably a lot of similarities in David Price and Sabathia (in 2008). Their records are probably pretty close to what CC’s was when he was traded.”

Washington’s Harper readying for return

Washington outfielder Bryce Harper hit three home runs and drove in five runs in a minor league rehab game in Akron, Ohio.

Harper is working his way back from a left thumb injury. The Nationals are optimistic he will return early in the week, if not Monday when they open a three-game series against Colorado.

Clearing the bases

Cincinnati signed Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias to a seven-year deal. The 24-year-old Iglesias will join the Reds organization once his visa problems are resolved. … Boston promoted highly touted prospect Mookie Betts from the minors and sent right-hander Rubby De La Rosa to Triple-A Pawtucket. … New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia threw 2 1/3 innings in his first minor league rehab game since going on the disabled list in May with a knee injury. He is expected to need at least two rehab starts. … Oakland right fielder Josh Reddick left in the fourth inning Saturday at Miami with a strained right knee, and his status is day-to-day. … Texas left-hander Derek Holland, sidelined following micro-fracture knee surgery in January, completed a simulated game in Arlington, Texas, and isn’t scheduled to be sent out for a rehab pitching assignment.